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Perceived psychological status among family caregivers of an autistic child: the role of coping strategies and self-esteem as predictors

Perceived psychological status among family caregivers of an autistic child: the role of coping... The purpose of this study is to assess psychological distress among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), self-esteem as a predictor of such distress and the effect of coping strategies.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive correlational study design was conducted using a convenient sample of parents of ASD children (N = 93).FindingsThis study revealed that the parents of an ASD child experienced a high level of anxiety (M = 15.89), a moderate level of depression (M = 15.85) and a mild level of stress (M = 16.86). Parents of ASD children also reported a low self-esteem score (M= 13.27). Mothers of ASD children reported higher levels of psychological distress, lower levels of self-esteem and more frequent utilisation of maladaptive coping strategies than fathers of ASD children.Practical implicationsParents of children with ASD experience a significant level of psychological distress; however, this may be improved by developing programmes and psychological interventions focused on improving parents’ self-esteem and using more active coping strategies.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study conducted in Saudi Arabia that predict the psychological status among family caregivers of an autistic child. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Mental Health and Social Inclusion Emerald Publishing

Perceived psychological status among family caregivers of an autistic child: the role of coping strategies and self-esteem as predictors

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References (31)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
© Emerald Publishing Limited
ISSN
2042-8308
eISSN
2042-8316
DOI
10.1108/mhsi-08-2023-0081
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess psychological distress among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), self-esteem as a predictor of such distress and the effect of coping strategies.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive correlational study design was conducted using a convenient sample of parents of ASD children (N = 93).FindingsThis study revealed that the parents of an ASD child experienced a high level of anxiety (M = 15.89), a moderate level of depression (M = 15.85) and a mild level of stress (M = 16.86). Parents of ASD children also reported a low self-esteem score (M= 13.27). Mothers of ASD children reported higher levels of psychological distress, lower levels of self-esteem and more frequent utilisation of maladaptive coping strategies than fathers of ASD children.Practical implicationsParents of children with ASD experience a significant level of psychological distress; however, this may be improved by developing programmes and psychological interventions focused on improving parents’ self-esteem and using more active coping strategies.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study conducted in Saudi Arabia that predict the psychological status among family caregivers of an autistic child.

Journal

Mental Health and Social Inclusion – Emerald Publishing

Published: Dec 2, 2024

Keywords: Parents of ASD; Psychological distress; Predictors; Self-esteem; Coping strategies

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