Volume 33, Issue 1 (3-2026)
RJMS 2026, 33(1): 1-10 |
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Ethics code: IR.IAU.TNB.REC.1404.394
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Ghorbannia M R, Jafari A. Effectiveness of Group Supportive Psychotherapy Training on Anxiety, Hope, and Psychological Adjustment in Mothers of Children with Autism. RJMS 2026; 33 (1) :1-10
URL: http://rjms.iums.ac.ir/article-1-9292-en.html
URL: http://rjms.iums.ac.ir/article-1-9292-en.html
1- Department of Clinical Psychology, Ki.C., Islamic Azad University, Kish, Iran
2- Faculty member Department of Clinical Psychology, Ki.C., Islamic Azad University, Kish, Iran ,dr.a.jafari@iau.ac.ir
2- Faculty member Department of Clinical Psychology, Ki.C., Islamic Azad University, Kish, Iran ,
Abstract: (171 Views)
Background & Aims: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior. Due to its chronic and lifelong nature, ASD not only affects the diagnosed child but also imposes substantial psychological, emotional, and social burdens on family members, particularly mothers who are often the primary caregivers. Raising a child with autism requires continuous supervision, extensive caregiving responsibilities, and adaptation to behavioral and developmental challenges, which may lead to increased levels of stress, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and reduced psychological well-being in parents. Previous research has consistently shown that mothers of children with autism experience higher levels of psychological distress compared to mothers of typically developing children. This distress often manifests as anxiety, decreased hope for the future, and reduced psychological adjustment. In addition, chronic caregiving demands may limit mothers’ social participation and increase feelings of isolation, which further exacerbates their psychological difficulties. Therefore, identifying effective psychological interventions aimed at improving mental health outcomes in this population is of high importance. Among various therapeutic approaches, group-based psychological interventions have gained considerable attention. Group supportive psychotherapy is a structured intervention that provides individuals with a safe and empathetic environment to share experiences, receive emotional support, and develop adaptive coping strategies. This approach emphasizes interpersonal support, normalization of experiences, and strengthening of psychological resilience through group dynamics. It is particularly beneficial for individuals facing chronic stressors, as it helps reduce feelings of isolation and enhances perceived social support. Given the psychological vulnerability of mothers of children with autism and the potential benefits of supportive group interventions, the present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of group supportive psychotherapy training on anxiety, hope, and psychological adjustment in mothers of children with autism. Specifically, this study sought to determine whether participation in structured group supportive psychotherapy sessions could reduce anxiety levels while simultaneously enhancing hope and psychological adjustment in this population
Methods: Given the nature of the research, this study employed a quasi-experimental design. The study population included all mothers of children with autism in Mashhad, Iran, in 2024 (1403 in the Iranian calendar). The sample consisted of 30 participants selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The experimental group received eight training sessions, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Snyder Hope Scale (1991), Beck Anxiety Inventory (1988), and Ahvaz Psychological Hardiness Questionnaire (1997). Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).
Results: The results of the ANCOVA indicated that, after controlling for the pre-test effect, there was a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups in anxiety, hope, and psychological adjustment (p < 0.05). The findings showed that the intervention significantly reduced anxiety and significantly increased hope and psychological adjustment in mothers of children with autism. Moreover, the effect size (eta squared) indicated that a considerable proportion of the variance in the variables was explained by the intervention; specifically, 72% for anxiety, 57% for hope, and 54% for psychological adjustment.
Conclusion: The findings of the present study demonstrated that group supportive psychotherapy has a significant positive impact on anxiety, hope, and psychological adjustment among mothers of children with autism. The results of the covariance analysis indicated that, after controlling for pre-test scores, there were statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups across all three variables. Specifically, mothers who participated in group supportive psychotherapy experienced a meaningful reduction in anxiety levels, alongside a significant increase in hope and psychological adjustment compared to those who did not receive the intervention. The effect sizes obtained in this study further confirmed the practical significance of the intervention. A substantial proportion of variance in anxiety, hope, and psychological adjustment was explained by the group intervention, suggesting that group supportive psychotherapy is not only statistically effective but also clinically meaningful. These findings highlight the importance of psychological interventions that address both emotional distress and adaptive coping mechanisms in mothers of children with autism. The effectiveness of group supportive psychotherapy can be explained through several mechanisms. First, the group setting provides a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation, which are common among mothers of children with autism. Second, sharing experiences with others facing similar challenges promotes emotional validation and normalization of difficulties. Third, the intervention enhances coping skills through peer modeling, emotional support, and therapist guidance, which collectively contribute to improved psychological outcomes. Additionally, increased hope may result from improved cognitive appraisal of stressors and strengthened perceptions of personal and environmental resources. From a practical perspective, the results suggest that group supportive psychotherapy can be implemented in counseling centers, psychological clinics, and rehabilitation programs as a cost-effective and accessible intervention for families of children with autism. By improving maternal mental health, such interventions may also indirectly enhance the quality of care provided to children. In conclusion, group supportive psychotherapy represents an effective approach for reducing psychological distress and improving positive psychological resources in mothers of children with autism, and its integration into mental health services is recommended.
Methods: Given the nature of the research, this study employed a quasi-experimental design. The study population included all mothers of children with autism in Mashhad, Iran, in 2024 (1403 in the Iranian calendar). The sample consisted of 30 participants selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The experimental group received eight training sessions, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Snyder Hope Scale (1991), Beck Anxiety Inventory (1988), and Ahvaz Psychological Hardiness Questionnaire (1997). Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).
Results: The results of the ANCOVA indicated that, after controlling for the pre-test effect, there was a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups in anxiety, hope, and psychological adjustment (p < 0.05). The findings showed that the intervention significantly reduced anxiety and significantly increased hope and psychological adjustment in mothers of children with autism. Moreover, the effect size (eta squared) indicated that a considerable proportion of the variance in the variables was explained by the intervention; specifically, 72% for anxiety, 57% for hope, and 54% for psychological adjustment.
Conclusion: The findings of the present study demonstrated that group supportive psychotherapy has a significant positive impact on anxiety, hope, and psychological adjustment among mothers of children with autism. The results of the covariance analysis indicated that, after controlling for pre-test scores, there were statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups across all three variables. Specifically, mothers who participated in group supportive psychotherapy experienced a meaningful reduction in anxiety levels, alongside a significant increase in hope and psychological adjustment compared to those who did not receive the intervention. The effect sizes obtained in this study further confirmed the practical significance of the intervention. A substantial proportion of variance in anxiety, hope, and psychological adjustment was explained by the group intervention, suggesting that group supportive psychotherapy is not only statistically effective but also clinically meaningful. These findings highlight the importance of psychological interventions that address both emotional distress and adaptive coping mechanisms in mothers of children with autism. The effectiveness of group supportive psychotherapy can be explained through several mechanisms. First, the group setting provides a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation, which are common among mothers of children with autism. Second, sharing experiences with others facing similar challenges promotes emotional validation and normalization of difficulties. Third, the intervention enhances coping skills through peer modeling, emotional support, and therapist guidance, which collectively contribute to improved psychological outcomes. Additionally, increased hope may result from improved cognitive appraisal of stressors and strengthened perceptions of personal and environmental resources. From a practical perspective, the results suggest that group supportive psychotherapy can be implemented in counseling centers, psychological clinics, and rehabilitation programs as a cost-effective and accessible intervention for families of children with autism. By improving maternal mental health, such interventions may also indirectly enhance the quality of care provided to children. In conclusion, group supportive psychotherapy represents an effective approach for reducing psychological distress and improving positive psychological resources in mothers of children with autism, and its integration into mental health services is recommended.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Clinical Psychiatry
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