Journal List > J Korean Acad Nurs > v.40(6) > 1002674

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Lee, Hong, Kim, and Ju: Life Transition of Mothers of Children with Autism
Original Article
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing

Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2010; 40(6): 808-819.

Published online: 31 December 2010

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2010.40.6.808

Life Transition of Mothers of Children with Autism

Ae Ran Lee1, Sun Woo Hong2, Ji Soo Kim3, Se Jin Ju4

1Professor, Department of Nursing, Wonkwang Health Science College, Iksan, Korea.

2Instructor, Department of Nursing, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea.

3Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, Gachon University of Medicine and Science, Incheon, Korea.

4Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, Namseoul University, Cheonan, Korea.

Address reprint requests to: Hong, Sun Woo. 1302/1204, Mokdong APT, 327 Sinjeongdong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul 158-773, Korea. Tel: 82-10-2084-7208, swhongks77@freechal.com

Received 6 August 2010       Accepted 28 December 2010

Copyright © 2010 Korean Society of Nursing Science

Abstract

Purpose

While there are a number of studies on children with disabilities, there have been few studies on mothers of children with autism. The purpose of this study was to explore the process of life transition of mothers who have children with autism.

Methods

From June 2007 to May 2009, the researcher interviewed 15 mothers of children with autism living in Seoul City, Gyeonggi or Chonbuk Provinces, and then analyzed the data gathered using the constant comparative method of grounded theory.

Results

"Living together holding a string of fate" was a core category showing along the continuum of life. The basic social process of life transition encompassed 5 stages: stages of denying, wandering, devoting, mind controlling, and finally accepting. These five stages proceeded in phases, though returned back to the wandering stage occasionally.

Conclusion

This study has opened the door to understanding how mothers of children with autism experienced life transition. The findings suggest that differentiated support and care at each stage should be given and there is the need to develop transition assessment tools for mothers of children with autism.

Keywords: Autistic disorder, Mothers, Transition, Qualitative research

Figures and Tables

Figure 1
Concept analysis by paradigm model.
jkan-40-808-g001
Figure 2
Process of life transition of mothers of children with autism.
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Table 1
Concepts and Categories according to Paradigm
jkan-40-808-i001

Notes

This study was financially supported by the research fund of Wonkwang Health Science College in 2010.

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