Examining the relationship between depression levels and father involvement levels of fathers with children with special needs

The purpose of this research is to reveal the relationship between depression levels and father involvement levels of fathers of children with special needs. In this context, the sample of this research consists of 96 fathers with children with special needs who were educated in public or private special education rehabilitation centers affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in Istanbul in 2023. The data of the study were collected using the Demographic Information Form, Beck Depression Scale and Father Involvement Scale. SPSS 29.0 Package Program was used to analyze the data. Parametric and non-parametric statistical analyzes were performed within the scope of the distribution of the data. T-test, Kruskal-Wallis Test, Pearson Correlation test and Post-Hoc test statistics were used to analyze the data. Findings from the research; It revealed that there is a negative relationship between the depression levels of fathers of children with special needs and their father's involvement. As father involvement increases, depression levels decrease. The study also found that there were statistically significant differences between fathers' age, education level, number of children and average monthly income, as well as depression and father involvement. As a result of the research, no significant relationship was found between the number of children and the level of father involvement. However, it has been observed that fathers with four or more children have higher levels of depression. No significant relationship was found between father involvement level and monthly income. However, it has been found that fathers in high-income families are less inclined to traditional gender ideologies, and this has a positive impact on father involvement. It has been determined that father involvement varies depending on the age of the child. In particular, it was observed that the participation level of fathers with 3-year-old children was higher. A negative and moderate relationship was found between paternal depression level and paternal involvement. With the increase in depression, sub-dimensions such as father involvement, pleasure, interest and closeness, and basic care decreased. These findings emphasize that the depression levels of fathers of children with special needs may affect father involvement and that it is important to consider these factors in interventions for families. The research may provide the basis for developing strategies to increase father involvement to provide support to families with children with special needs. Keywords: Father Involvement, Depression, Children with Special Needs