Narrative Therapy as a Mechanism to Enhance Psychological Hardiness and Reduce Psychological Stress among Parents of Children with Special Needs: A Theoretical Review

Abstract

Parents of children with special needs often experience high levels of psychological stress due to the continuous demands of caregiving, social stigma, and uncertainties regarding their child’s future. Despite these challenges, Psychological Hardiness serves as a protective factor that mitigates the intensity of such stress and promotes adaptation. Narrative therapy can enhance Psychological Hardiness by enabling individuals to reframe their life stories, externalize problems, and construct stronger identities. This theoretical review explores the potential of narrative therapy to strengthen Psychological Hardiness and reduce psychological stress among parents of children with special needs. Drawing on empirical and theoretical literature, the review highlights the mechanisms through which narrative therapy may foster meaning-making, self-efficacy, and resilience in this population. While preliminary evidence suggests positive outcomes, further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of narrative interventions across diverse cultural contexts and to identify mediating factors of change. The review also discusses practical implications and future research directions.