Psychological Stresses and the Needs of Mothers Of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, And The Relationship between Them in the United Arab Emirates
Abstract
The present study aimed to identify the sources and the levels of psychological stresses for mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It also aimed to identify their needs and its degrees in the United Arab Emirates, as well as to define the relationship between psychological stresses and their needs. The study sample consisted of (174) mothers of children with (ASD). Their children were enrolled in one of the rehabilitation of the disabled centers which were under the supervision of the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Society Development. The sample has been chosen in stratified random way. Two tools prepared by the researcher were applied: “The Psychological Pressure Scale” and “The Needs’ Questionnaire” for mothers of children with ASD, from December 2015 to March 2016. The study used a descriptive correlative approach to answer the questions of the study.
The results showed that the characteristics of the child’s behavior stress came in the first place, followed by emotional stress in the second place, while the lowest level of the stress was the behavioral and mental stress. The results also showed a high degree of needs for the mothers. “Societal needs” came in first place. It was followed by “knowledge and training” needs in the second place. “Social needs” came in third place while “Financial needs” came in the last place. Results also appeared a significant statistical positive correlation between stress with its five types, and needs with its four types at of 0.01 or 0.05 level of significance. Based upon the above results, the researcher provided some recommendations and suggestions.