Differential predictors of well-being versus mental health among parents of pre-schoolers with autism

Abstract

Extensive research has shown elevated mental health difficulties among parents of children with autism compared to other parents. Although several studies have explored factors related to mental health among parents of children with autism, the factors that influence and promote well-being remain poorly characterised. Parents of young, newly diagnosed autistic children may also be particularly vulnerable to stressors that impact mental health and well-being. We examined child-, parent-, and family/socioeconomic factors associated with concurrent mental health and well-being among 136 parents of young children with autism, aged 13–48 months. Parental mental health was predicted by both trait negative emotionality and reported child autism symptoms, while well-being was predicted by parent factors alone, including trait extraversion and mindfulness. Broader child characteristics and family/socioeconomic contextual factors made no significant contribution in regression models. While the mental health and well-being of parents with young autistic children are associated with one another, unique predictors seem to exist. That well-being was uniquely predicted by a modifiable parent characteristic – mindfulness – suggests the potential for early supports to bring direct benefits for parents, in the context of raising a young child with autism. Lay abstract Raising a child with autism has been linked to mental health difficulties. Poor parental mental health is likely influenced by various factors – including child-, parent-, and family/socioeconomic characteristics. However, little is known about what influences and promotes well-being (as opposed to mental health) among parents of young, newly diagnosed autistic children who may be particularly vulnerable. We examined child-, parent-, and family/socioeconomic factors associated with each of mental health and well-being in a sample of 136 parents of pre-school-aged children. Parental mental health was linked to both child- (i.e. autism symptom severity) and parent-related factors (i.e. personality traits reflecting a tendency to experience negative emotions). By contrast, in additional to mental health difficulties, which were linked to well-being, only other parent-related characteristics (and not child characteristics) were related to well-being. These included personality traits reflecting a tendency to be more extraverted/sociable, and also mindfulness. Other child-related and family/socioeconomic context factors (including household income, parental education level) were not linked to parental mental health or well-being in this sample. These results support the idea that poorer mental health and well-being are not simply the opposite of one another. That is, while these two factors were related, they were linked to different personal characteristics. Perhaps most importantly, the link between well-being and mindfulness – a personal characteristic that parents can improve – suggests mindfulness-based interventions may be helpful in directly supporting parental well-being in the context of raising a young child with autism.

Comparison of mental health, well-being and parenting sense of competency among Australian and South-East Asian parents of autistic children accessing early intervention in Australia

“…Indeed, there is a distinction between well-being and positive mental health (Kinderman et al, 2015;Salomone et al, 2018). In a recent study of mental health and well-being in parents of autistic preschoolers (Green et al, 2021), which shared participants with the current sample, parental well-being was predicted by parents' trait sociability and mindfulness, whereas parental mental health was predicted by trait negative emotionality of the parent and child autism symptoms. There is an indication that parental well-being may be more affected by internal factors (i.e.…”

Psychological and pedagogical support for the quality of life of persons with disabilities

“…Mothers were more invested in a shared parenthood relationship when parents felt more competent in raising their children. Green et al (2021), conducted a comprehensive study that found that parents of children with autism have greater mental health problems compared to other parents. Although several studies have examined factors related to the mental health of parents of children with autism, factors affecting and contributing to well-being remain poorly characterized.…”

The Relationship Between Childhood Autism Condition and Mental Health of Parents of Children with Autism

“…In other words, this research will seek policy solutions that can lighten the burden of responsibility for parents with children with autism. Indeed, indicated that early diagnosis of childhood autism might help parents lead healthier lives when raising their children [6]. In other words, they would know more about the condition and how to look after the child.…”