J Pediatr Nurs. 2026 Jun 27;90:271-277. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2026.06.022. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of psychological resilience on the caregiver burden among parents of children with special needs and the mediating role of internalized stigma.
METHOD: A descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational research design was used. The population consisted of 250 primary caregivers of children with special needs attending a Special Education and Rehabilitation Centre. A total of 235 parents (94%) voluntarily participated. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews between January-April 2025 using the Personal Information Form, the Brief Resilience Scale, the Affiliate Stigma Scale, and the Zarit Burden Interview. IBM SPSS v23 and AMOS v24 were used for statistical analyses. Mediation was tested using path analysis with the Maximum Likelihood estimation. The significance level was p < 0.05.
RESULTS: Psychological resilience showed a weak negative correlation with caregiver burden (r = -0.329) and a moderate negative correlation with internalized stigma (r = -0.412), while internalized stigma showed a moderate positive correlation with caregiver burden (r = 0.446) (p < 0.001). Internalized stigma significantly mediated the relationship (indirect effect = 0.188; p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Enhancing psychological resilience reduces caregiver burden both directly and indirectly by decreasing internalized stigma.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Strengthening psychological resilience and reducing internalized stigma are critical for the sustainability of the caregiving process. Nurses can facilitate the establishment of social support networks among mothers/fathers who share similar experiences by forming parent support groups. Psychiatric and pediatric nurses can cooperate with psychologists, special education specialists, and social service workers to draw up a care plan that takes into account psychosocial factors such as psychological resilience and stigma.
PMID:42364267 | DOI:10.1016/j.pedn.2026.06.022
