Comparison of self-esteem, level of hopelessness and level of coping with stress in the mothers of children with mental and/or physical disabilities who are being treated in a special education and rehabilitation center

The purpose of this study is to examine the self-esteem, hopelessness and coping with stress levels of mothers with physically and/or mentally disabled children. Additionally, the effects of such factors as the mothers' age, marital status, financial situation and the type of the disability on their self- esteem, hopelessness and coping with stress were studied. The study, in line with its purpose, was carried out with 100 mothers whose children attend a special education and rehabilitation center in the city of Istanbul. In this study, Personal Information Sheets, Rosenberg Self- Esteem Scale, Beck Hopelessness Scale and Stress Coping Styles Scale were utilized. The data collected in the study were analyzed by using SPSS 21.0 software. The findings of the study demonstrated that the mothers of disabled children have high levels of self-esteem and low levels of hopelessness. It was also determined that the mothers' level of education affects their level of self- esteem, hopelessness and their coping styles; that there is a correlation between the number of children the mothers have and their approach to stress management and that the level of hopelessness plays a role in self -esteem. The self-esteem levels of mothers whose education level was primary school or below were determined to be significantly lower in comparison to other mothers. (p<0.05) Additionally, the hopelessness levels of mothers with primary school degrees were determined to be significantly higher than the other individuals (p<0.05). Furthermore, a correlation between the number of children and coping strategies was detected. As a matter of fact, in comparison to individuals with two children, individuals with three and more children got significantly higher scores on Submissive Approach subscale (p<0.05). In this study, it was observed that the hopelessness levels of mothers are influential on their self-esteem. It was determined that as the mothers' scores on Hopelessness Scale increased, their scores on the Self-esteem Scale decreased significantly. (p<0.05). The results of the study are discussed within the framework of self-esteem, hopelessness, coping with stress, disability type, number of children, level of education and in the light of the previous findings in order to guide the further studies and daily practice. Key Words : Disability, Hopelessness, Self-Esteem, Coping With Stress