A recent study has revealed that while parents of children with disabilities experience more complex and sustained stress compared to typical households, healthier family relationships correlate with higher self-esteem and lower levels of depression.

This finding was presented in a study titled "The Effect of Family Health on Depression in Parents of Children with Disabilities: Focusing on the Mediating Effect of Self-Esteem," conducted by a research team from Chonbuk National University and published in the 46th volume, second issue of the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs academic journal "Health and Social Welfare Review."

The research team—consisting of Jang A-young, Kim Soon-kyu, and Park Yeon-hee—discovered this correlation after analyzing 347 parents raising teenage children with disabilities, using data from the Korea Disabled People's Development Institute's Panel Survey on the Lives of Persons with Disabilities.

The researchers measured family health using a 4-point scale consisting of 20 items designed to assess interactions such as trust among family members, conflict resolution methods, emotional support, openness in communication, and adherence to rules.

Depression was measured using an 11-point scale reflecting negative emotional states experienced in daily life, such as decreased appetite, difficulty with daily activities, and dissatisfaction.

An analysis of the correlations between these variables showed that higher family health was associated with higher self-esteem.

Conversely, a negative correlation was confirmed between family health and depression, as well as between self-esteem and depression, indicating that higher family health and self-esteem lead to reduced feelings of depression.

In particular, another analysis conducted to examine the mediating effect of self-esteem showed that higher levels of family health increased self-esteem, which in turn contributed to lowering depression levels.

Ultimately, ensuring the emotional health of parents raising children with disabilities requires various policies aimed at communication and psychological stability among family members, in addition to economic support and rehabilitation or educational assistance for the children.

The research team suggested, "Family health is likely caused by socio-structural problems and gaps in welfare systems rather than simply a lack of individual family capacity or personal vulnerability. Therefore, to restore the family health of families with children with disabilities, there is a need to strengthen the public responsibility of the state and society."

They added, "When establishing basic plans for policies concerning people with disabilities, it is necessary to allocate specific projects and budgets to promote family health. Furthermore, various service agencies should regularly assess family health and parental depression for early detection, and continuously provide programs that enhance communication and relationships among family members."

(Photo provided by Seoul Children's Grand Park, Yonhap News)