Family stress and resilience: Understanding the challenges faced by fathers of children with intellectual disabilities

This study examines the moderating role of family stress in the relationship between psychological well-being and resilience among children with intellectual disabilities. It also explores differences in psychological well-being, resilience, and family stress levels based on the severity of the child's disability. The sample included 200 fathers from Türkiye, with a mean age of 42.5 years, and children aged 3-10 years. The results show that psychological well-being positively predicts resilience, and family stress moderates this relationship, with higher family stress levels associated with reduced resilience. Fathers of children with mild intellectual disabilities reported higher psychological well-being and resilience compared to those with moderate or severe disabilities. These findings highlight the importance of family stress management and resilience-building strategies in supporting fathers of children with intellectual disabilities. Future research should use diverse samples and longitudinal designs to further explore these dynamics.