’n Moeder se belewenis van outisme vanuit ’n emosionele intelligensie-perspektief

Abstract

The rationale for the proposed study is to gain insight into, and understanding of what it means to be the mother of a child who is diagnosed with autism. The mother’s attitude towards her reality is accounted for from Reuvon Bar-On’s Emotional Intelligence model (EI). A qualitative research design with a narrative research approach was followed. Multidata-generating strategies were used to support the mother in giving expression to her reality and collaboratively attach meaning to it. The EI-interpreted experiences suggest that the mother demonstrates an optmistic, realistic and introspective view on parenting and education. It can be regarded as accountable to state that the mother displays informed comprehension of, and insight into the disability with which her child is living and their future together.