Finding Benefit and Feeling Strain in Parenting a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Overview

Journal J Autism Dev Disord

Publisher Springer

Date 2022 Jul 12

PMID 35819586

Authors

Haley C Adams

Kimberly R Zlomke

Kristina G Rossetti

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Female caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often report higher levels of psychological distress related to increased levels of caregiver strain, as well as frequency and severity of child problem behaviors (CPB). However, despite reported distress, caregivers have also reported benefits. A sample of n = 259 female caregivers of children with ASD completed online surveys assessing CPB, caregiver strain, psychological distress, and benefit finding. Results suggest that objective caregiver strain is a significant mediator between CPB and caregiver distress. Benefit finding, however, was not found to be a significant moderator. These findings inform theoretical applications and provide implications for future research in the development of interventions to enhance functioning in female caregivers.

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