Psychological Resilience of Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Perceived Social Supportsocial Support

Abstract

Introduction: Social support is a significant moderator of quality of life. Psychological resilience is a personal resource that promotes adaptation to life challenges. Research Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the association between the level of psychological resilience of mothers of children with diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their perceived formal social support. Formal support is understood as a form of institutional assistance provided to children and mothers as part of using the services of the Early Intervention Center. Method: One hundred and forty-three mothers of children with ASD were surveyed using the Resilience Scale (SPP-25) and the Questionnaire for Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Results: Mothers of children with ASD had a higher level of psychological resilience compared to the standardised group. Mothers with higher levels of psychological resilience perceived social support better. Conclusions: The study emphasises the need to develop psychological resilience in mothers of children with ASD, which may contribute to coping more effectively with the challenges of motherhood when faced with a child’s disability.

Keywords

• psychological resilience
• autism spectrum disorder
• social support
• motherhood