J Korean Acad Nurs.  2010 Dec;40(6):808-819. 10.4040/jkan.2010.40.6.808.

Life Transition of Mothers of Children with Autism

• Lee AR
• Hong SW
• Kim JS
• Ju SJ

• KMID: 999483
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2010.40.6.808

Abstract

PURPOSE
While there are a number of studies on children with disabilities, there have been few studies on mothers of children with autism. The purpose of this study was to explore the process of life transition of mothers who have children with autism.
METHODS
From June 2007 to May 2009, the researcher interviewed 15 mothers of children with autism living in Seoul City, Gyeonggi or Chonbuk Provinces, and then analyzed the data gathered using the constant comparative method of grounded theory.
RESULTS
"Living together holding a string of fate" was a core category showing along the continuum of life. The basic social process of life transition encompassed 5 stages: stages of denying, wandering, devoting, mind controlling, and finally accepting. These five stages proceeded in phases, though returned back to the wandering stage occasionally.
CONCLUSION
This study has opened the door to understanding how mothers of children with autism experienced life transition. The findings suggest that differentiated support and care at each stage should be given and there is the need to develop transition assessment tools for mothers of children with autism.

Keyword

Autistic disorder; Mothers; Transition; Qualitative research

MeSH Terms

Adaptation, Psychological
Adolescent
Adult
Autistic Disorder/*diagnosis
Child
Child, Preschool
Female
Humans
Internal-External Control
Interviews as Topic
Middle Aged
Mothers/*psychology
Parenting/psychology
Young Adult