Investigation of Depression Levels of Mothers with Physically Handicapped Children

Abstract

Having a physically handicapped children affect the life of the mothers negatively. This study aimed to investigate the depression levels of the mothers who have physically handicapped children. This study included 51 physically handicapped children and their mothers. Demographic characteristics were determined. Depression levels of the mothers were determined by Beck Depression Inventory, which was developed by Beck et al in 1961 and realibility and validity were studied by Hisli (1988, 1989). Datas were analysed by Independent Sample t test and Pearson correlation test in SPSS 15.0 programme and statistical significance was accepted as p<0,05. Determination of depression levels of the mothers who have physically handicapped children are required in order to provide psychological support to mothers when needed.