A Qualitative Research On The Anxiety And Stress Conditions Of Families With Special Needs Children

Authors : Fikri KELEŞOĞLU, Hülya AKSAKAL KUC

Pages : 67-87

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Publication Date : 2020-06-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In this study, based on the experiences of mothers with special needs children between the ages of 3-6, it is aimed to reveal the anxiety and stress conditions concerning their children, which are formed by individual, familial and environmental conditions. Mothers of thirteen individuals residing in Sakarya province and having different disability types were included in the study. A working group in accordance with the purposive sampling method was formed. The study is a descriptive research created in a qualitative design. The semi-structured interview technique was employed in the data collecting process. In consideration of the reliability of the study, the statements of the participants were included in the form of “direct quotation” without any change in terms of spelling and grammar. The participating parents in the research were informed by the authors about the purpose and content of the research. No limitation was applied to the age of mothers. A parenthetical coding technique was used. In the study, the anxiety and stress conditions that families experienced regarding their children with special needs were revealed in terms of feelings of ambiguity, inadequacy and social exclusion. The anxiety and stress conditions that families suffer vary as per their experiences and differ from each other. It is seen that an ambiguous process passed with inabilities creates more stress and anxiety in families. On the other side, it was demonstrated that, in some cases, the exclusion is due to the family and in some cases, is from the outside. The fact that stress and anxiety experienced in cases where psychological health and well-being deteriorates can lead a person to suicide is another finding of the research.
Keywords : Family, special needs, stress, anxiety