Empowering Exceptional Children

Empowering Exceptional Children

Development and Evaluation of a Mother–Child Perceived Conflict Resolution-Based Intervention Program on the Quality of Life of Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Ph.D. Student, Department of Exceptional Children Psychology, ALLAMEH Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Professor, Department of Exceptional Children Psychology, ALLAMEH Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran.
3 Associate Professor, Department of Exceptional Children Psychology, ALLAMEH Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran.
4 Associate Professor, Department of Psychometrics, ALLAMEH Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a perceived conflict resolution-based intervention program in improving the quality of life of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test–post-test control group. The statistical population included all mothers of children diagnosed with ASD, whose children were at least five years old and had received a confirmed diagnosis. Thirty mothers were selected through convenience sampling based on inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 participants in each). The experimental group participated in ten 45-minute educational sessions focused on resolving perceived conflict in the mother–child relationship, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF, 1996). Data analysis was conducted using univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) via SPSS version 26. The results indicated that the perceived conflict resolution-based intervention significantly improved the quality of life of mothers in the experimental group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the eta squared coefficient (η² = 0.787) revealed that approximately 78.7% of the changes in mothers’ quality of life were explained by the intervention, indicating a high and substantial effect size. These findings suggest that training in perceived conflict resolution can provide mothers with essential tools for better managing mother–child interactions and enhancing their overall quality of life. Therefore, incorporating conflict resolution skills training into support programs for families of children with ASD—especially for mothers—is strongly recommended.
 
 
 



 
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  • Receive Date 03 April 2025
  • Revise Date 09 September 2025
  • Accept Date 11 September 2025