Spirituality, Psychological Capital, and Post-Traumatic Growth: Coping Mechanisms Among Ultra-Orthodox Parents of Children with Special Needs in Israel

The study explored the relationships between post-traumatic growth, psychological capital (PsyCap), and spirituality among ultra-Orthodox parents of children with and without special needs in Israel, asking whether the relationship between post-traumatic growth and PsyCap is moderated by group membership (parents of special needs children, parents of typically developing children) and whether spirituality mediated the relationship between post-traumatic growth and PsyCap. A sample of 124 parents, including 39 parents of children with special needs and 85 parents of typically developing children, was surveyed using the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ-12), and the Spiritual Intelligence Self-Assessment Inventory. Results showed significant positive correlations between post-traumatic growth, PsyCap, and spirituality across the entire sample and within each group. No significant differences were found in post-traumatic growth or PsyCap, and spirituality was consistent across both groups. The relationship between post-traumatic growth and PsyCap was stronger among parents of typically developing children, and spirituality emerged as a significant mediator of post-traumatic growth and PsyCap. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating spiritual resources in interventions aimed at supporting parents facing caregiving challenges.