Factors related with psychological distress, posttraumatic growth and life satisfaction in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder

The main purpose of this study is to investigate variables which can be related to depression, anxiety, stres, posttraumatic growth and life satisfaction among mothers who have a child with autism spectrum disorder. The sample of the study was composed of 150 mothers (M= 40.21, SD= 6.38) who have a child with autism spectrum disorder. The Quiet Ego Scale (QES), Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MSPSS), The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 21), The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were administered to participants. One way ANOVA, correlation and regression analyses were conducted to identify the relationship between socio-demographic variables, illness related variables, quiet ego, perceived social support depression, anxiety, stress, posttraumatic growth and life satisfaction. The results showed that while mothers depression, anxiety and stress scores are low. There is no relationship found between quiet ego and depression, anxiety, stress. However, as quiet ego scores increase both posttraumatic growth and life satisfaction scores increase. Moreover, there is no relationship found between perceived social support and depression, anxiety, stress. However, it is found that perceived social supoort increases posttraumatic growth and life satisfaction. Among the socio-demographic features birth order, income, mother's education level and perceived autism severity are the predictors of depression, anxiety, stress and posttraumatic growth. In other words, mothers'depression level increases if she has another older child; when income level decreases anxiety level increases; when perceived autism severity increases stress level also increases. Mothers' posttraumatic growth level increases with education level. Moreover, life satisfaction level increases with income level. In addition, when depression level decreases and posttraumatic growth increases life satisfaction level increases. Considering the findings there is important role of quiet ego and perceived social supoort in mothers' who have a child with autism posttraumatic growth and life satisfaction. Therefore, professionals working with families who have a child with autism should focus on these factors in order to contribute families' positive change.