Research Article

Depressive Symptoms in 5–6-Year-Old Children: The Role of Family Resilience and Family Functioning

Volume: 55 Number: 2 August 31, 2026
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Depressive Symptoms in 5–6-Year-Old Children: The Role of Family Resilience and Family Functioning

Abstract

This study examined the relationships between depressive symptoms observed in children aged 5–6 and two family-related variables: family resilience and perceived family functioning. Using a quantitative correlational survey design, the study was conducted with 255 parents selected through criterion sampling and voluntary participation. Data were collected through the Childhood Depressive Symptom Assessment Scale, the Family Resilience Scale, and the Perceived Family Functioning Scale. Following assumption testing, Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression, and a three-step hierarchical multiple regression analysis controlling for demographic variables were performed. The findings indicated that several subdimensions of family resilience and family functioning were significantly associated with distinct patterns of depressive symptoms in children. In particular, self-efficacy and commitment to life emerged as more salient components of family resilience, whereas intra-familial communication and positive affect, together with boundaries, stood out as stronger predictors within family functioning. Overall, the results suggest that family processes in early childhood are meaningfully related to children’s depressive symptoms and underscore the importance of family-focused preventive and supportive interventions.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Early Childhood Education

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

August 31, 2026

Submission Date

August 21, 2025

Acceptance Date

March 25, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 55 Number: 2

APA
Atan, A., & Filiz, G. (2026). Depressive Symptoms in 5–6-Year-Old Children: The Role of Family Resilience and Family Functioning. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 55(2), 1072-1122. https://izlik.org/JA68NG33JW
AMA
1.Atan A, Filiz G. Depressive Symptoms in 5–6-Year-Old Children: The Role of Family Resilience and Family Functioning. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026;55(2):1072-1122. https://izlik.org/JA68NG33JW
Chicago
Atan, Abdullah, and Gönül Filiz. 2026. “Depressive Symptoms in 5–6-Year-Old Children: The Role of Family Resilience and Family Functioning”. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 55 (2): 1072-1122. https://izlik.org/JA68NG33JW.
EndNote
Atan A, Filiz G (August 1, 2026) Depressive Symptoms in 5–6-Year-Old Children: The Role of Family Resilience and Family Functioning. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 55 2 1072–1122.
IEEE
[1]A. Atan and G. Filiz, “Depressive Symptoms in 5–6-Year-Old Children: The Role of Family Resilience and Family Functioning”, Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 1072–1122, Aug. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA68NG33JW
ISNAD
Atan, Abdullah - Filiz, Gönül. “Depressive Symptoms in 5–6-Year-Old Children: The Role of Family Resilience and Family Functioning”. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 55/2 (August 1, 2026): 1072-1122. https://izlik.org/JA68NG33JW.
JAMA
1.Atan A, Filiz G. Depressive Symptoms in 5–6-Year-Old Children: The Role of Family Resilience and Family Functioning. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026;55:1072–1122.
MLA
Atan, Abdullah, and Gönül Filiz. “Depressive Symptoms in 5–6-Year-Old Children: The Role of Family Resilience and Family Functioning”. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 55, no. 2, Aug. 2026, pp. 1072-2, https://izlik.org/JA68NG33JW.
Vancouver
1.Abdullah Atan, Gönül Filiz. Depressive Symptoms in 5–6-Year-Old Children: The Role of Family Resilience and Family Functioning. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi [Internet]. 2026 Aug. 1;55(2):1072-12. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA68NG33JW

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