The Effect of Emotional Intelligence on the Quality of Life of Mothers of Children with Autism

Abstract

Background: Having a child with autism spectrum disorder is a stressful event for parents. Mental health status of the parents of children with chronic disabilities has a considerable impact on welfare and development of their children. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence and quality of life in mothers of children with autism. Methods: In this descriptive analytic study, 50 mothers of children with autism, with the mean age of 33.9 years (SD = 6.8), referred to autism clinics in Tehran, were selected using convenience sampling method. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the Iranian version of the short-form health survey (SF-36) and the emotional intelligence was measured by the Iranian version of H-Wesinger emotional intelligence inventory. Results: Given the findings, there was a significant correlation between the scores of quality of life and the emotional intelligence (r = 0.304, P = 0.032). Also, there existed a significant correlation between the subscale tests in the physical performance (r = 0.286, P = 0.044) and the Mental health (r = 0.293, P = 0.032). Conclusions: The current study showed that the quality of life in mothers of children with ASD could be affected by emotional intelligence and the increased emotional intelligence is a factor to promote the quality of life. In addition, there is a positive relationship between emotional intelligence, mental health, and physical performance. High emotional intelligence is effective in improving the status of these 2 areas.