Abstract:

One of the most important challenges that people in the modern world deal with is the management of difficult situations and the adaptation to new conditions. These difficulties have resulted from the worsening of the problems on a social, political, economic, cultural, and environmental level. In this context, the concept of mental resilience is becoming progressively familiar as it describes the ways in which individuals, families, and communities manage to overcome their difficulties. The term is multidimensional and at an individual level, it is related to personality traits such as humor, optimism, and coping strategies assumed by an individual when facing stressful situations. On the other hand, resilience at the family level expresses a different kind of dynamics and complexity. More specifically, it focuses on the relationships and connections between family members and on how these relationships can be preserved and strengthened through the ongoing challenges a family might face.

At a time of complex and multiple problems, the society itself is rapidly changing. Stress and mental resilience become more and more important to existence. With this in mind, the birth of a child with special educational needs undoubtedly affects the balance and the dynamics of a family since it is often a challenge that increases the levels of stress within a family. Factors that help the parents to adapt to the new conditions are the so-called “protective factors” including the emotional, psychological and moral support, good relationship between the couple, and the development of a strong emotional bond between parents and children.

From this angle, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between mental resilience of parents of children with special educational needs and stress, as well as factors associated with their personal-demographic information. The study followed an empirical quantitative methodology. The research instrument used in this study was the standardized questionnaire Connor-Davidson Durability Scale (CD-RISC) which includes closed-ended questions in order to quantify the resilience of the sample. The survey was carried out during the first trimester of 2018 on a sample of 145 inhabitants of the Dodecanese Region. The results revealed that the sample had a high level of resilience, regardless of gender, age, educational level, income, marital status, and number of children. The participants possessed adaptation skills despite the obstacles and challenges. Finally, the participants recognized the importance of social support and the development of strong connections with people in their environment as anxiety relieving factors.

Keywords:

Resilience, stress, special educational needs, coping.