The effect of perceived social support and psychological flexibility in parents of children with special needs on sexual satisfaction and avoidance of pregnancy

Aim: The study was conducted to determine the effects of perceived social support and psychological flexibility on sexual life satisfaction and pregnancy avoidance among parents of children with special needs. Material and method: The sample of this descriptive study consisted of parents of children with special needs in rehabilitation centers in Van province. The study was conducted between July 2024 and March 2025. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Psychological Flexibility Scale, Golombok-Rust Sexual Satisfaction Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Pregnancy Avoidance Scale. In the statistical evaluation of the data; number, percentage distribution, one-way analysis of variance, t-test in dependent groups, correlation-regression test were used. Results: The study found a positive and significant relationship between social support and sexual satisfaction (r = 0.292; p = 0.001) and between psychological flexibility and sexual satisfaction (r = 0.281; p = 0.002). A negative and significant relationship was found between social support and avoidance of pregnancy (r = -0.376; p = 0.000). However, no relationship was found between psychological flexibility and avoidance of pregnancy (r = -0.201; p = 0.059). Conclusion: The study found that increased social support increased sexual satisfaction and decreased avoidance of pregnancy. Increased psychological flexibility increased sexual satisfaction but did not affect avoidance of pregnancy. Keywords: Child, disabled, midwifery, parent, pregnancy, psychological, sexuality, social support