The level of psychological resiliance in parents of children with chronic disease

Objective: The prevalence of childhood chronic diseases has increased significantly in recent years, owing to the proliferation of treatment and diagnostic options. According to recent studies, the number of parents who have experienced chronic diseases in their children has increased. Parents of children with chronic diseases experience a range of emotions from the moment their child is diagnosed with the illness. In this case, families are dealing with a variety of issues, and parents who have a high level of psychological resilience are expected to cope better with the disease process. This research aims to examine the level of psychological resilience in parents of children with chronic disease. Furthermore, psychological resilience, which is the dependent variable of the study, is systematically examined to see whether it differs significantly according to some demographic variables (gender, employment status, spouse's employment status, age, duration of marriage, and educational status). Another aim is to demonstrate the positive correlation between the level of psychological resilience and the cognitive triad. In the majority of studies carried out in the relevant literature, the level of anxiety, depression, and quality of life of the parents were examined, but no study was found to evaluate the level of psychological resilience. Therefore, this research contributes to the literature by shedding light on the discovery of factors that have an impact on the psychological well-being of parents of children with chronic diseases. Method: A relational survey model was employed in this research. The sample group for the study consisted of a total of 300 people, including 150 parents of children with chronic diseases, followed by the Pediatrics Polyclinics of Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, and 150 parents of healthy children, followed by the Healthy Child Polyclinic, as a control group. In line with the purpose of the research, the Ego-Resilience Scale was used to determine sociodemographic form, Cognitive Triad Inventory, and Psychological Resilience Scale. Findings: The level of psychological resilience of parents of children with chronic diseases was found to be lower than that of parents of healthy children. In the group with chronic disease, the Cognitive Triad Inventory total score, perception of the future, self-perception, and world perception score were significantly lower than in the group without chronic disease. A significant positive correlation was observed between the Cognitive Triad Inventory total score and the psychological resilience scale total score, strengths related to personal recovery, positive self-assessments, and openness score to new experiences. As a result of this comparison, a significant relationship was discovered between the education level of the parents, the number of children, the income level, and the support tools that help them stay strong in this process and the total psychological resilience scores of the individuals. A statistically significant relationship was found between the education level of the parents, the number of children, the income level, and the things that kept them strong in this process and the total scores of future perception of individuals Results: The psychological resilience of parents of children diagnosed with chronic disease is expected to be negatively impacted. The health of their child has an influence on their perceptions of self, the world, and the future. It is important to anticipate the risk factors that affect the psychological resilience of parents as well as protective factors in order to support their psychological resilience and provide support in terms of psychosocial health. Based on the parents' preferences, psychological assistance can be provided. The medical and social care burden of the child should be supported by healthcare professionals, and a holistic approach should be followed in maintaining the physical and psychosocial well-being. Key words: Chronic Disease, Psychological Resilience, Parent