Examining Depression Among Mothers of Autistic People in South Korea: A Mixed-Methods Approach.

Eun and colleagues talked with Korean mothers who have autistic children. They used interviews plus a short survey to learn how these moms feel and cope.

The team looked for patterns between stress, life satisfaction, and any religious or spiritual help the mothers used.

Mothers described both heavy stress and moments of satisfaction. Many said faith-based supports—like prayer groups or church friends—helped them stay afloat.

The study did not test any treatment; it simply mapped where moms found relief.

Joosten et al. (2009) already showed that personal spirituality can boost mood in autism moms, while busy church duties sometimes add strain. Eun’s work agrees: inner faith helps, but formal activities can cut both ways.

Shu (2009) found religion linked to lower quality of life among Taiwanese mothers—seemingly the opposite of Korea. The clash fades when you see Taiwan measured strict church attendance, while Korea counted flexible spiritual resources.

Park et al. (2023) found more social support predicted post-traumatic growth in the same Korean population. Eun adds that support often comes through religious ties, filling in the “how.”

When you meet Korean mothers, ask open questions about personal faith, prayer groups, or temple friends. Link them to supports that match their beliefs—Korean churches, Buddhist temples, or online spiritual groups. A five-minute chat about coping can guide you to community resources that science says may buffer stress.