Cross-sectional survey uncovers predictors of suicide probability among mothers of children with special needs, indicating social support and self-efficacy reduce risk.
Key Points
To evaluate the predictive power of perceived social support and parental self-efficacy on suicide probability among mothers whose only child has special needs.
Cross-sectional relational screening design including 238 mothers aged 21–70 years with an only child having special needs.
Administered the Sociodemographic Information Form, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Parental Self-Efficacy Scale, and Suicide Probability Scale.
Data evaluated using independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis H, Spearman correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses.
Parental self-efficacy negatively correlated with suicide probability (rs = -0.42, p < .01) and positively correlated with perceived social support (rs = 0.31, p < .01).
Multiple linear regression identified family support (β = -0.29, p < .001), friend support (β = -0.27, p < .001), and parental self-efficacy (β = -0.27, p < .001) as significant negative predictors of suicide probability.
Mothers who were younger or married demonstrated significantly higher suicide probability scores, suicidal ideation, and associated psychological distress compared to older or unmarried peers.