Mediating Role of Hope and Resilience in the Association Between Parenting Stress and Psychological Well-Being Among Turkish Foster Parents

Abstract

Foster parenting provides important support for children who have lost the opportunity to live with their biological parents. This support can be enhanced by better understanding the psychological factors that influence foster parents' well-being. This study aimed to investigate the role of hope and resilience in the relationship between parenting stress and psychological well-being among Turkish foster parents. The participants consisted of a total of 197 foster parents aged between 24 and 70 (Mean = 37.05, SD = 5.66). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, Process Macro, and Bootstrap methods. The results showed that parenting stress was negatively related to hope, resilience, and psychological well-being. In addition, hope, resilience, and psychological well-being were found to be positively related to each other. The results showed that the mediating role of hope and resilience in the relationship between parental stress and psychological well-being were significant. In other words, hope and resilience reduced the negative effects of parenting stress on psychological well-being among foster families. These results can enhance the foster family literature, promote community well-being, and guide practices aimed at improving psychological well-being among foster parents.