FEELING OF LONELINESS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH IRRATIONAL THOUGHTS AMONG MOTHERS OF CHILDREN WITH ASPERGER'S DISORDER IN RIYADH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

This study explored the relationship between feelings of loneliness and irrational thoughts among Saudi Arabian mothers of children diagnosed with Asperger’s disorder compared to mothers of typically developing children, with a focus on the impact of child diagnosis on maternal mental health. A descriptive correlational-comparative design was used to measure feelings of loneliness and irrational thoughts in a sample of 200 mothers. The findings indicated that mothers of children with Asperger’s disorder experienced significantly higher levels of loneliness and irrational thoughts than mothers of typically developing children, with this effect being more pronounced among those from low socio-economic backgrounds. A statistically significant positive relationship was found between loneliness and irrational thoughts (r = 0.571, p < 0.01). These results highlight the need for the development of mother-oriented specialist mental health services, psychoeducational programs, and support groups within the context of Asperger’s disorder. Integrating the assessment and treatment of maternal mental health into routine family-centered health care is essential, as improved organization of community-based support networks and better access to mental health resources may help reduce feelings of isolation and irrational thoughts among these mothers.