Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT on Psychological Distress among Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of Problem-Solving Appraisal

Raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comes with unique challenges, often causing significant psychological distress in mothers. This research paper explores the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in alleviating this distress, with a special focus on the role of problem-solving appraisal training. Let’s delve into the key findings:

 

The Burden of Motherhood and ASD

 

  • Mothers of children with ASD experience higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to mothers of neurotypical children.
  • This burden stems from various factors, including managing challenging behaviors, navigating social stigma, and dealing with limited support systems.

 

CBT to the Rescue

 

  • The study investigates a tailored CBT program specifically designed for mothers of children with ASD.
  • This program incorporates problem-solving appraisal training, equipping mothers with skills to identify, analyze, and effectively tackle challenges they face.
  • Participants received individual CBT sessions over three months, focusing on cognitive restructuring, coping mechanisms, and problem-solving techniques.

 

Promising Results

 

  • Compared to a control group, mothers who underwent CBT showed significant reductions in depression, anxiety, stress, and overall psychological distress.
  • They also exhibited improvements in problem-solving confidence, adopting a more proactive approach to challenges, and feeling greater control over their situations.

 

Problem-Solving Appraisal: The Secret Weapon

 

  • The study highlights the crucial role of problem-solving appraisal in enhancing the effectiveness of CBT.
  • By learning to evaluate situations objectively and develop effective coping strategies, mothers can manage stress more effectively and improve their emotional well-being.
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Beyond the Study

 

  • These findings add to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of CBT for mothers of children with ASD.
  • Incorporating problem-solving appraisal training further strengthens the intervention, leading to improved mental health outcomes for mothers.
  • The study emphasizes the need for accessible and culturally relevant CBT programs tailored to the specific needs of this population.

 

In Conclusion

 

Raising a child with ASD is not an easy feat, but mothers don’t have to navigate the challenges alone. CBT, particularly with integrated problem-solving appraisal training, offers a promising avenue to lessen psychological distress and empower mothers to cope with the demands of their unique role. Investing in such interventions can significantly improve the mental health and well-being of mothers, ultimately impacting the entire family dynamic.

 

FAQ

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

 

CBT is a type of therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It involves learning coping skills and problem-solving strategies.

 

How does this CBT program differ from traditional approaches?

 

This program uniquely emphasizes the role of problem-solving appraisal, teaching mothers to view challenges as opportunities and develop effective coping strategies.

 

What specific problem-solving skills were taught?

 

The program likely focused on skills like identifying problems, generating solutions, evaluating options, implementing plans, and managing negative emotions during problem-solving.

 

Are these findings relevant to mothers globally?

 

While the study focused on mothers in Egypt, the emphasis on problem-solving skills makes the findings potentially applicable to diverse cultural contexts.

 

Source:

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/14/1/46

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