Journal for Educators, Teachers and Trainers

Abstract

The research was conducted as a comparative analysis of families with children with special needs and families which have normally developed children. The aim of this study is to determine whether perceived stress, personal well-being, self-esteem, burnout, anxiety and depression levels are affected by having children with special needs. In addition, the study was conducted to determine the relationship between parents�" social skill levels with and without special needs, stress, burnout, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, personal well-being and socio-demographic variables. Interviews were carried out with 240 parents who have at least one 3 years old or above child with and without special needs. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with some participants and others were contacted through teachers. A 'Personal Information Form' was filled in by the participants, ��Social Skill Scale A��, ��Perceptual Stress Scale', 'Personal Well-Being Index-Adult (KIO-Y) Form', 'Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale', ��Burnout Inventory Scale�" and 'Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to determine the level of stress, personal well-being, self-esteem, burnout, depression and anxiety respectively. The findings of the statistical analyses were discussed in according to the results of the research on similar subjects. Six variables related to the parents�" physical and mental health levels were considered. The regression models established to predict the differences in the lives of these parents through these variables were found to be significant for the two groups supporting the literature