ArticleBMC psychology2026
Faith, stigma, and resilience: a qualitative study of the experiences of mothers raising children with autism spectrum disorder in West Azerbaijan, Iran.
Article in BMC psychology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
No citing paper in PubMed yet.
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundMothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may experience substantial emotional, social, and practical challenges, compounded by societal stigma and cultural beliefs, especially in Iran. This study aimed to explore the experiences of Iranian mothers who have children with ASD, including the challenges they encounter, ways they cope, and how cultural and societal factors play a role in their experience.
methodsThis qualitative descriptive study utilized purposive sampling to recruit 17 mothers of children with ASD from a single-center specialized treatment and rehabilitation setting in Urmia, Iran. Data were collected via individual, semi-structured interviews and subjected to qualitative content analysis.
resultsFour main categories emerged from the qualitative analysis: (1) mothers' perceptions of the causes of autism, (2) the evolving journey of coping with an autism diagnosis, (3) challenges faced by mothers of children with ASD, and (4) the profound and complex impact of autism on mothers' lives. Regarding causal perceptions, mothers attributed autism to spiritual lenses, alternatively viewing it as a perceived divine purpose and meaning, framing autism as a test of faith, acceptance of preordained destiny, or perceived divine punishment and guilt. The coping trajectory advanced from initial confusion, shock, and protective concealment due to fear of stigma toward gradual acceptance and resource utilization. Key structural challenges included social stigma, limited public awareness, insufficient access to specialized centers, lack of psychological support, and significant financial strain. Finally, the condition profoundly disrupted maternal careers and family dynamics, leading to severe emotional distress, though mothers also reported finding existential meaning and personal growth through their caregiving role.
conclusionsThis study underlines the significance of cultural and spiritual dimensions in shaping the experiences of Iranian mothers of children with ASD, highlighting both the challenges faced and sources of resilience identified. The findings indicate a need for increased societal awareness, culturally sensitive support, and improved access to services for mothers and families in comparable contexts.
Indexed as
Identifiers
What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.