Future Anxiety and its Relationship to Meaning in Life Among Parents of Children with Diabetes Mellitus in Benghazi

Abstract

This exploratory study aimed to examine the relationship between future anxiety and the meaning of life among parents of children diagnosed with diabetes in Benghazi, as well as the impact of future anxiety on their psychological and social quality of life. The researcher employed a descriptive-analytical approach to collect and analyze data to better understand the nature of the relationship between these variables, The sample consisted of 110 parents of diabetic children, purposively selected from a larger population of approximately 2,500 individuals across three to four hospitals and specialized medical centers in Benghazi, including the National Center for Diabetes Diagnosis and Treatment, Benghazi Central Hospital, and the Children’s Hospital,Results revealed a moderate negative correlation between future anxiety and meaning of life, indicating that as anxiety increased, parents’ sense of life meaning decreased, although this effect remained moderate rather than strong. The study found no statistically significant differences in future anxiety or meaning of life based on gender or marital status (married/widowed/divorced). However, significant differences were observed related to educational level, favoring those with higher qualifications, while no differences were found according to age, These findings highlight the importance of providing counseling and psychological support programs aimed at reducing future anxiety and enhancing the sense of life meaning among this group, thereby improving their psychological and social well-being and their ability to cope with the challenges posed by their children’s illness.