Investigation of resilience levels of parents with children with multiple disorders based on different variables

This study investigated the resilience levels of parents with children who had multiple disorders. Sample of the study was composed of a total of 222 voluntary parents (183 females, 39 males) residing in Bolu, Düzce and Zonguldak. Parental Information Form and "Family Resilience Scale", consisting of 4 sub dimensions (Challenge, Self-Efficacy, Commitment to Life and Self Control) and a total of 37 items, were implemented to parents in the framework of the study. The study included reliability and validity studies of the scale as well. According to research results, significant differences were obtained in the Endurance sub dimension of the Family Resilience Scale based on the type of disorder for the children with multiple disorders. It was found that compared to parents with children with physical and mental disorders, parents with children with hearing and mental disorders were more resilient in Endurance sub dimension. It was also presented that compared to parents with children with vision and mental disorders, parents with children with physical and mental disorders were more resilient in Endurance sub dimension and compared to parents with children with vision and mental disorders, parents with children with physical and hearing disorders were more resilient in Endurance sub dimension. Based on parental gender variable, it was observed that fathers were more resilient compared to mothers in Endurance sub dimension of the Family Resilience Scale. It was reported that parental gender and type of disorder in children with multiple disorders did not affect general resiliency levels. It was also found that the variable such as age of parents, parental educational and income levels, age and gender of the children with multiple disorders, support received during the care of children with multiple disorders, parental health and psychological support received during the care of children with multiple disorders had no significant differences on parents' general resilience levels and Family Resilience Scale sub dimensions. Key Words: Resilience, Family Resilience, Multiple Disorders, Parents