The Correlation Between Social Support and Mental Health among Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Background: The challenges faced by mothers during caring for children with ASD are a risk factor for
maternal mental health problems. One effort to maintain the mental health of the mothers who have children
with ASD is to ensure the availability of social support.
Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the correlation between social support and mental health among
mothers of children with ASD.
Method: This was a descriptive study with a cross-sectional approach. Eighty (80) mothers of children with
ASD were selected as the respondents in this study using purposive sampling method. Bantul and Kulon
Progo Regencies were chosen as the research locations. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social
Support (MSPSS) and General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) were used to measure the social support
and maternal mental health. The Spearman test was used to see the correlation between social support and
maternal mental health problems.
Results: The results show that social support and maternal mental health problems have a significant
correlation (p=0.03; r=- 0.23). The univariate test shows that 44% of mothers of children with ASD indicate
psychological disorders.
Conclusion: There is a correlation between social support and mental health among mothers of children
with ASD.