Investigation of self-compassion levels and parenting stress levels of parents of children with typical development and children with special needs

This study aimed to examine the relationship between parenting stress and self-compassion levels among parents of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and parents of typically developing children, and to determine whether these psychological variables differ according to certain demographic characteristics of the parents. The sample of the study, conducted using a descriptive and correlational design, consisted of a total of 60 participants: 30 parents of typically developing children and 30 parents of children diagnosed with ASD. Data were collected using the Sociodemographic Data Form, Parent Stress Scale, and Self-Compassion Scale; SPSS 27.0 was used for analyses. The MANOVA results revealed no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the multivariate structure consisting of self-compassion and parenting stress. Univariate analyses also supported this finding, showing no significant group-based differences in any of the dependent variables. This result indicates that the general psychological profiles of parents of typically developing children and parents of children with ASD regarding self-compassion and parenting stress are similar. Correlation analyses conducted in both groups showed a significant and negative relationship between parenting stress and self-compassion. In the typical development group, this relationship was more closely linked to the dimensions of self-judgment and excessive identification within self-compassion, whereas in the ASD group, it emerged primarily in relation to the dimensions of self-kindness and mindfulness. This finding reveals that parental stress decreases as the level of self-compassion increases in both groups, but the dominant sub-dimensions in the relationship vary compared to the parent group. In terms of demographic variables, the parent's educational level was found to significantly affect parenting stress in both groups; parents with lower educational levels reported higher stress. Furthermore, a negative and significant relationship was found between the child's age and self-compassion; as the child's age increased, a decrease in parents' self-compassion levels was observed. This suggests that the long-term burden of care may be associated with psychological attrition. Among parents of typically developing children, the subscales of self-compassion were found to be related to the parent's educational status, occupation, employment status, average monthly income, and number of children. Among parents of children with ASD, self-compassion was found to be related to the parent's marital status, involvement with other children, and the age of the child with disabilities. The findings of the study generally indicate that there is no significant difference in self-compassion and stress levels between the two parent groups, but that these variables are influenced by similar demographic and psychosocial factors in both groups. In this regard, it is recommended to expand information and support programs, especially for parents with low educational levels; to develop long-term psychosocial support practices to reduce the increasing burden of care as the child ages; and to increase guidance and information services and design counseling programs for parents with low educational levels, considering that stress is higher in this group.