The effect of a group guidance program on the stress levels of mothers who have children with mental disabled

The aim of this research is to examine the effect of a group guidance program on the stress levels of mothers who have children with mental disabled. So, an experimental method based on Pre-test, Post-test Control Group Design and follow-up procedure was used. Population of the research are 150 mothers of children with mental disabled who are members of an association related to the subject. Sample consist of 40 mothers selected by Criteria Sampling Method from among 150 mothers who are members of same association, Questionnaire on Resources and Stress-F to measure the stress levels of mothers, Family Needs Survey and Stres Disorder Scale to establish the content of the group guidance program were applied to 150 mothers. SPSS 16.0 was used to analyze the data obtained and also percentage calculation (%), independent samples t-test, Levene?s test of homogeneity of variance, two way analysis of variance and bonferroni test were used.As a result of the research, it is shown that the group guidance program is effective in reducing stress levels of mothers who have children with mental disabled and the reduction in stress levels is permanent. Various suggestions were made on the basis of the results.