EXAMINATION OF PARENTAL DEPRESSION LEVELS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

This study which is a descriptive one, has been carried out to identify the levels of depression of the parents who live in Kastamonu and have handicapped children. The parents (N=360) of the children who are mentally, physically, both mentally and physically handicapped; and registered in Private Erdem Training Center in Kastamonu comprise the population. The data of the research was collected by using the descriptive data form developed by the researcher and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) with the face to face meeting method. While analyzing the data, significance test between two means (T-Test), and one-way variation analysis (Anova One WAY) were used. As a result of the research, the means of depression scores of the parents who have handicapped children are ascertained as moderate with the values 21,600 ±10,722. Their depression levels change considering whether the parents of handicapped children work, or not; whether they are male or female.