Examination of Affiliate Stigma, Hopelessness and Life Satisfaction in Parents of Children with Intellectual Disabilty

Abstract

Introduction. While expecting a healthy child, having a child with a disability can be quite traumatic for all family members, especially parents.
 The objective of the research was to evaluate affiliate stigma, hopelessness, and life satisfaction in parents of children with intellectual disability.
 Materials and Methods. The descriptive research included 203 parents of children with intellectual disabilities, who met the research inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study. The data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Affiliate Stigma Scale, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale.
 Results. The mean age of parents included in the study was 40.74 ± 7.22 years, with 67.5% of caregiving mothers. The levels of affiliate stigma and hopelessness among parents were low, and they were satisfied with their lives. In case of increasing parental affiliate stigma, their hopelessness was found to increase, while life satisfaction was found to decrease.
 Conclusions. In order to increase public acceptance of people with disabilities by society, it is recommended to provide trainings and raise awareness against individuals with disabilities and their families.