The presence of children with special needs has an enormous impact on parents. From the moment of diagnosis, they often grapple with feelings of grief, guilt, and uncertainty about their child’s future. The constant demands of caregiving, including managing medical appointments, navigating educational needs, and providing round-the-clock support, can lead to physical exhaustion and burnout. Increased caregiving responsibilities generally cause stress and affect a couple’s relationship dynamics. Many couples encounter significant strain that challenges their emotional connection and communication. The demands of caregiving often leave couples with limited time and energy for nurturing their relationship, leading to feelings of neglect and emotional distance. Despite these difficulties, couples can find opportunities for resilience and growth through intentional efforts to strengthen their bond. This chapter introduces the parenting program for couples to promote parenting resilience and strengthen relationships among couples raising children with special needs. This program is designed based on the Gottman method, Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), and positive psychology interventions, which consist of 10 weekly sessions, each lasting 1.5–2 h. The Gottman method enhances communication, fosters emotional connection, and equips couples to navigate conflicts effectively. EFT strengthens emotional attunement and secure attachment, helping partners share their underlying emotions, fostering greater empathy, and working as a team. Positive psychology interventions focus on building resilience, fostering gratitude, and finding meaning in the parenting journey. The chapter outlines the program’s theoretical foundation, practical components, and evidence-based outcomes. By promoting parenting resilience and strengthening relationships, the program helps couples navigate caregiving challenges and build stronger, more fulfilling partnerships.

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Resilience and Bonds: Relationship-Based Parenting Interventions for Couples Raising Children with Special Needs

  • Emel Genç

摘要

The presence of children with special needs has an enormous impact on parents. From the moment of diagnosis, they often grapple with feelings of grief, guilt, and uncertainty about their child’s future. The constant demands of caregiving, including managing medical appointments, navigating educational needs, and providing round-the-clock support, can lead to physical exhaustion and burnout. Increased caregiving responsibilities generally cause stress and affect a couple’s relationship dynamics. Many couples encounter significant strain that challenges their emotional connection and communication. The demands of caregiving often leave couples with limited time and energy for nurturing their relationship, leading to feelings of neglect and emotional distance. Despite these difficulties, couples can find opportunities for resilience and growth through intentional efforts to strengthen their bond. This chapter introduces the parenting program for couples to promote parenting resilience and strengthen relationships among couples raising children with special needs. This program is designed based on the Gottman method, Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), and positive psychology interventions, which consist of 10 weekly sessions, each lasting 1.5–2 h. The Gottman method enhances communication, fosters emotional connection, and equips couples to navigate conflicts effectively. EFT strengthens emotional attunement and secure attachment, helping partners share their underlying emotions, fostering greater empathy, and working as a team. Positive psychology interventions focus on building resilience, fostering gratitude, and finding meaning in the parenting journey. The chapter outlines the program’s theoretical foundation, practical components, and evidence-based outcomes. By promoting parenting resilience and strengthening relationships, the program helps couples navigate caregiving challenges and build stronger, more fulfilling partnerships.