Self-compassion mitigates the cognitive, affective, and social impact of courtesy stigma on parents of autistic children

Exploring the relationship between courtesy stigma and life satisfaction among caregivers of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“…The present study showed that courtesy stigma was significantly associated with perceived stress, self-compassion, and satisfaction with life among caregivers of youth with IDDs. Such results are consistent with the previous studies indicating that caregivers’ experiences of negative attitudes and discrimination by others impact caregivers’ emotional distress (Chou et al, 2009; Yip & Chan, 2022), caregiving burden (Green, 2007), mental health status (Cantwell et al, 2015; Chan et al, 2023; Chan & Lam, 2017; Recio et al, 2021), and psychological well-being (Broady et al, 2017; Mak & Kwok, 2010). Caregivers of youth with IDDs deal not only with practical challenges related to their child’s disability and transition issues to adulthood but also with the negative consequences of courtesy stigma on stress and satisfaction with life.…”