Impact of personal and social resources on parenting stress in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

This study examined the longitudinal associations between child behavior problems, coping strategies, social resources, and parenting stress in mothers of young children with autism spectrum disorder. Participants were 283 mothers who completed self- and child-report measures at the time of diagnosis and 2 years later. Hierarchical multiple regression was conducted to predict overall parenting stress. At diagnosis, the final model indicated that high levels of social support and mothers' use of active engaged coping strategies were associated with lower levels of parenting stress. Conversely, high levels of child externalizing behavior problems, family dysfunction, and mothers' use of disengaged coping strategies were associated with higher parenting stress. Two years later, high levels of parenting stress at diagnosis predicted increased parenting stress. In addition, high or increasing levels of social support predicted a decrease in parenting stress, while high or increasing levels of family dysfunction predicted increased stress. Finally, increased use of disengaged coping strategies and decreased use of active coping strategies over time predicted higher levels of parenting stress. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for the provision of targeted supports that are designed to enhance the personal and social resources available to mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder.

Irritability and Problem Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Practice Pathway for Pediatric Primary Care

“…44 Participation in psychoeducational, supportive programs 45 may reduce parental stress and improve mental health. 46 The PCP can help support parents in distress, including linking them to ASD support groups and referring them to get help for their own mental health needs.…”

Desafíos Y Derechos De La Familia Y Cuidadores De Portadores Del Trastorno Del Espectro Autista

“…El apoyo social a la familia de portadores de TEA es de extrema importancia, principalmente en relación al estrés y calidad de vida (Zaidman-Zait et al, 2016).…”

“…Por lo tanto, la edad a la que se realiza una intervención cuenta, y es necesario intervenir en el tiempo cuando algo no está yendo bien sin tener que esperar la configuración completa de un marco psicopatológico para proceder con un tratamiento. Además de los daños antes mencionados provocados por el diagnóstico tardío, el diagnóstico tardío es también una gran fuente de estrés, aumentando la sensación de impotencia familiar (Gomes, et al, 2015;Zaidman-Zait et al, 2016).…”

“…El tratamiento de niños autistas de más de seis años es muy difícil porque, además del hecho de que el contacto con el niño es más limitado, es especialmente el propio alcance del tratamiento el que estará restringido a su propósito terapéutico y no al tiempo mayor que esta demanda. (Flores & Smeha, 2013;Zaidman-Zait et al, 2016).…”

The Role of Difficult Childhood Behaviors on Intimate Partner Violence

“…Developmental disability in a child can also have a significant impact on caregiver stress [33,34], often resulting in severe complications in the caregivers' primary relationship [35,36]. In summary, maladaptive characteristics in children are a major factor in caregiver stress [37]. Difficult childhood traits and behaviors that require increased caregiver attention may increase marital discord, and marital discord may eventually result in IPV [31,38].…”