الملخص الإنجليزي
The study aimed to verify the effectiveness of a group counseling program based
on meaning therapy to improve the quality of life for families of individuals with
autism spectrum disorder in the Sultanate of Oman. To achieve the study's
objectives, the researcher relied on an experimental approach (quasi-experimental
design) with a design of two groups: an experimental group and a control group,
using pre-tests, post-tests, and follow-ups. As for the study tools, the quality-oflife scale for families of children with autism spectrum disorder - which was
prepared by the researcher - and a group program based on meaning therapy -
which was also prepared by the researcher - were used. The study sample
consisted of (14) mothers of individuals with autism spectrum disorder at the AlWafa Center for the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities in Ibra, where
they were divided into two groups: experimental and control (N1=7, N2=7) The
sample was selected purposefully, and the results of the study indicated
significant statistical differences in the post-measurement between the mean
ranks of the scores of the experimental and control groups on the quality of life
scale for families of children with autism spectrum disorder in favor of the
experimental group. The study also found significant statistical differences
between the mean ranks of the pre- and post-measurement scores for the
experimental group on the quality-of-life scale in favor of the post-measurement.
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Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences between the mean
ranks of the post-measurement and follow-up scores for the experimental group.
Thus, the current study demonstrated the effectiveness of the meaning-centered
counseling program in improving the quality of life for families of children with
autism spectrum disorder. The researcher recommends utilizing the counseling
program presented in the current study to guide families of children with autism
spectrum disorder specifically, and families of individuals with disabilities in
general, by interested and specialized entities and individuals in rehabilitating
individuals with disabilities.
Keywords: meaning-centered therapy, quality of life, families of children with
autism spectrum disorder.
