The Effects of Depression Severity on the Stress Coping Methods of Mothers with Mentally Disabled Children

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of depression severity on stress coping methods of mothers with mentally disabled children. Methods: This study included 50 mothers of children with intellectual disabilities who were admitted to the psychiatric outpatient clinic of our hospital. Sociodemographic data form, Beck Depression scale, and Stress Coping scale were applied to all participants. Results: The mean Beck Depression score of participants was 17.42±6.32. A One-Way relationship was found between the Beck Depression score and Stress Coping scale-desperate and submissive subscales. The Stress Coping Scale-desperate approach score is higher in those with severe depression than those with mild depression, whereas the Stress Coping scale-self-confidence subscale is higher in those with severe depression. The Stress Coping scale-submissive approach score is higher in participants with moderate depression than those with mild depression (p<0.005). Conclusion: Depression negatively affects the stress coping methods of mothers with children with intellectual disabilities, and psychosocial support is recommended to be provided to mothers who prefer desperate and submissive approaches to stress management methods.

Keywords

• disabled children
• coping stress
• submissive approach
• desperate approach
• depression