The Experience of Stress-Related Growth among Maternal Caregivers of Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

A growing body of literature suggests that stressful life events and challenges can provide opportunities for stress-related growth (SRG). The aim of this study was to capture the characteristics of SRG among maternal caregivers of children with ASD. A total of 12 participants voluntarily participated in this study. Using constructivist grounded theory, three themes associated with these challenges were identified as positive outcomes: 1) experiencing personal growth, 2) developing closer relationships with others, and 3) generating coping strategies. Moreover, participants created a unique peer support group that contributed to their coping and SRG. These positive outcomes may contribute to individuals’ social and mental health benefits, suggesting that with adaptability stressful life experiences may lead to beneficial transformations.

Declaration of conflicting interests

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the research programme funded by the SeoulTech (Seoul National University of Science and Technology).