New approaches in education and health sciences management

New approaches in education and health sciences management

The Effect of Spirituality Education via Social Networks on the Caregiving Burden of Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Hanie Yadegarpoor 1
Maryam Saeidi 2
1 Department of Psychology, Kish International Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kish, Iran
2 Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, To.C., Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
10.22034/edus.2025.543390.1005
Abstract
Introduction and Aim: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), by causing communication and behavioral challenges, imposes a substantial caregiving burden on mothers. Spirituality education, as a supportive and effective approach, may help reduce this burden. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of spirituality education delivered through social networks on the caregiving burden of mothers of children with ASD.

Methods: This applied study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group. The statistical population included all mothers of children with ASD enrolled in exceptional schools in Mashhad during the 2023–2024 academic year, selected through convenience sampling. The study sample consisted of 50 participants, who were randomly assigned into an experimental group (n = 25) and a control group (n = 25). The experimental group received spirituality education through social networks in eight sessions, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Novak and Guest Caregiver Burden Inventory (1989). Statistical analyses were conducted using multivariate and univariate covariance analyses (MANCOVA and ANCOVA) in SPSS-26.

Findings: The results revealed a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of caregiving burden in the experimental and control groups. Spirituality education via social networks had a significant effect on reducing mothers’ caregiving burden, with an effect size of 81%, indicating a strong and substantial impact.

Conclusion: Overall, the findings highlight important practical implications for health professionals and educational policymakers. Designing and implementing spirituality education programs via social networks can serve as a cost-effective, accessible, and efficient strategy to support mothers of children with ASD.
Keywords
Spirituality Education
Social Networks
Caregiving Burden
Autism

Ethics Approval ID: IR.IAU.TNB.REC.1403.010

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  • Receive Date 02 March 2025
  • Revise Date 19 April 2025
  • Accept Date 20 May 2025
  • First Publish Date 22 May 2025
  • Publish Date 22 May 2025