Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Journal of Pediatric Nursing, cilt.88, ss.148-161, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
Objective This study aims to investigate the effects of the micro-appreciation training-based ‘Three Things Diary’ (MT-TTD) intervention for mothers of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on care burden, family functioning and happiness levels. Method This unblinded randomized controlled trial involved 70 mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. The intervention group completed an eight-week micro-appreciation–based “Three Things Diary” program. Data were collected face-to-face using the Caregiver Burden Scale, Oxford Happiness Questionnaire–Short Form, and Family Functioning Scale. Analyses included t -tests, Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon, chi-square, and covariance tests. Findings The mean age of the participating mothers was 37.9 ± 6.2 years, while the mean age of the children was 9.0 ± 3.4 years, and 71.4% of the participants were male. Prior to the intervention, the experimental group showed lower family functioning and subjective well-being ( p < 0.05), but lower caregiving burden than the control group (p < 0.05). After the intervention, caregiving burden significantly decreased ( t = −10.185, p < 0.001, d = −1.569), and family functioning improved (Z = −5.803, p < 0.001, r = 1.923). Although happiness did not differ significantly ( t = 1.720, p = 0.091, d = 0.703), the intervention showed a moderate effect. The effect sizes obtained revealed that the intervention has moderate to high clinical significance. Conclusion The MT-TTD intervention stands out as an effective psychosocial intervention for mothers of children with ASD, demonstrating efficacy in reducing caregiving burden, improving family functioning, and enhancing happiness. Implications for nursing practice The findings indicate that family-centered and positive psychology-based approaches have an important place in nursing care, and that innovative interventions aimed at empowering mothers should be supported. Clinical Trials Registration ID: NCT07124091