Comparison of Effectiveness of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and Reality Therapy in Attitudes of Parents Toward their Children in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD Student in Psychology, Department of psychology, Torbat-e Jam branch, Islamic Azad University Torbat-e Jam, Iran.

2 Associate Professor in Department of psychology, Islamic Azad University, Torbat-e Jam branch, Torbat-e Jam, Iran

3 Assistant Professor in Department of psychology, Mashhad branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.

4 Associate Professor in Department of psychology, Torbat-e Jam branch, Islamic Azad University, Torbat-e Jam, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: The presence of an impotent child in the family creates psychological problems for other family members, especially mothers, which can affect the attitude of the mother toward her child and ultimately affect the mental health of mother and child.This study aimed to make a comparison between effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and reality therapy on attitude of mothers toward their autistic children.
Materials and Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental research. Its research plan was in the form of Three - group (two experimental groups and one control group). The statistical population included all mothers with autism children in elementary school in Mashhad in 2018. Using available sampling method, a sample of 36 mothers was selected and randomly assigned to three groups. Individuals in first group received mindfulness- based cognitive therapy and second group received reality therapy in 10 sessions (90 minutes), and those in the control group received no intervention. In pre-test, post- test and at the one-month follow-up, all groups completed the parent’s attitude toward their children questionnaire. The data were analyzed using analysis of covariance and scheffe.
Results: The results showed there was a significant difference between effectiveness of the mindfulness – based cognitive therapy compared to reality therapy (f (99,2) =7/78, p< 0/01) and mindfulness – based cognitive therapy had more impact (mean =6/61, p< 0/01).
Conclusion: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy improves attitude of mothers toward their autistic children.

Keywords