ERIC Number: EJ1187893
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1469-9532
EISSN: N/A
Wellbeing of Mothers of Children with "A-U-T-I-S-M" in Malaysia: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Study
Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, v42 n1 p74-89 2017
Background: This qualitative study aimed to explore how mothers gave meaning to their experiences of raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Malaysia. Methods: Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, semistructured interviews were conducted with 8 Malaysian mothers from different ethnic backgrounds (4 Chinese, 3 Malays, and 1 Indian). Results: Three themes for the mothers' adaptation and wellbeing development were identified, including Problem realisation within the context: Learning to spell A-U-T-I-S-M in Malaysia, WE are living with autism, and Resilient overcoming: Climbing Mount Kinabalu. The mothers viewed their child's ASD symptoms and behaviour problems (e.g., hyperactivity and sleep difficulties) as taking a toll on wellbeing. However, coping strategies, including acceptance, proactive mindset, character growth, spirituality, and parent support networks, fostered wellbeing. Conclusion: Both intrapersonal and interpersonal protective processes were important. The findings suggested that Seligman's (2011) PERMA framework may be applicable to understanding parental wellbeing. Clinical, policy, and research suggestions were discussed.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Web Sites, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Autism, Mothers, Phenomenology, Semi Structured Interviews, Well Being, Adjustment (to Environment), Spelling, Coping, Resilience (Psychology), Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Psychological Patterns, Social Support Groups, Cultural Influences, Children, Child Rearing
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Malaysia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A