Effects of Self-Compassion on the Quality of Life and Happiness of Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of teaching self-compassion on the happiness and quality of life of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. Method. The population comprised 60 mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder, from among which 30 were recruited through convenience sampling and randomly divided to experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The experimental group received eight 90-minute instructional sessions while the control group received no treatment. The effectiveness of this intervention was examined in pretest, posttest, and follow-up phases using the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire and the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale. Data analysis revealed that teaching self-compassion increases the happiness and quality of life of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. Results showed that teaching self-compassion increases the happiness and quality of life of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder, with improvements retained on follow-up.