Post-traumatic growth in mothers of children with autism: a phenomenological study.
While the adverse effects of raising a child with autism are well demonstrated, there have been few reports of the post-traumatic growth of mothers of children with autism. The purpose of this research was to explore dimensions of post-traumatic growth in this population in Mainland China and identify the factors facilitating post-traumatic growth. A total of 11 mothers of pre-school children were recruited from five rehabilitation centres of children with disabilities in Shanghai. The semi-structured interviews were conducted between August 2012 and October 2012 and analysed using thematic analysis. The data partially confirmed Tedeschi and Calhoun's model of post-traumatic growth. A new philosophy of life, appreciation of life, relating to others, personal strength and spiritual change were five domains of post-traumatic growth in mothers of children with autism. Perceived social support, peer example, effective coping style and self-efficacy enhancement were facilitating factors of post-traumatic growth. Further studies are needed to understand how to promote the post-traumatic growth of mothers of children with autism.
Second Military Medical University, China.
Wei
W
Zhang
Second Military Medical University, China.
Ting Ting
TT
Yan
King's College London, UK.
K Louise
KL
Barriball
King's College London, UK.
Alison E
AE
While
Second Military Medical University, China xhliu@smmu.edu.cn louise.barriball@kcl.ac.uk.
Xiao Hong
XH
Liu
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001321:Autistic Disorder; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002681:China; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D010379:Peer Group; D012944:Social Support
Autism; caregiver; mental health; mothers; post-traumatic growth