Effect of Mindfulness Training on Distress Tolerance and Alexithymia in Mothers With Autistic Children

Abstract

Background: Autism disorder in children is characterized by problems in social functioning, communication, and the existence of repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. The pervasive and severe disabilities of children with autism are a difficult experience for their parents and families and are often accompanied by a range of challenges for caregivers. Therefore, designing appropriate programs to improve distress tolerance and reduce alexithymia is needed as a priority in health care plans. Mindfulness training is an effective way to teach a variety of skills to mothers of children with autism. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of mindfulness training on distress tolerance and alexithymia in mothers with autistic children. Materials & Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, the study population included all mothers of children with autism in Rasht city who referred to Negah-e No Psychological Counseling Center in Guilan Province, Iran, in 2019. From this statistical population, 30 people were selected by convenience sampling and were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The research instruments were Simmons and Gauher Confusion Tolerance Questionnaire (2005) and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) (1994). Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) by IBM SPSS v. 24. Results: There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of distress tolerance (P<0.001, F=59.45) and alexithymia (P<0.001, F=20.52). Conclusion: Mindfulness training increased distress tolerance and decreased alexithymia in mothers with autistic children.

Keywords

• autistic disorder
• mothers
• mindfulness