Factors correlating with parenting stress among mothers of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Abstract

Background

Parenting stress is reported to be higher among parents of children with ASD. In addition, parenting stress among parents of children with ASD is found to be higher among mothers.

Objective

The aim of this study is to determine the factors correlating with stress among mothers of children with ASD.

Methods

This was a quantitative research with a cross-sectional design. Eighty (80) mothers of children with ASD were recruited as the research respondents. This research was conducted in special schools in Bantul Regency and in an Autism Center in Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta. Parenting Stress Index (PSI), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were used to measure the stress of mothers, the social support, and the mental health problems of mothers. The Spearman test and Mann–Whitney test were employed to determine the correlation of independent variables with the stress of mothers. The most dominant factor correlating with the parenting stress of mothers was tested using linear regression.

Results

There is a significant correlation of social support (r = −3.41, p = 0.002) and mental health problems (r = 0.288, p = 0.01) with stress of mothers. Social support received by mothers and mental health problems affect the parenting stress of mothers by 11.7%. Social support is the most dominant factor in the stress of mothers.

Conclusion

Social support and mental health problems affect the parenting stress of mother who have children with ASD. The higher the social support received by the mothers, the lower the stress experienced by mothers with ASD children. These results can be followed up by designing health interventions in the form of education to the families and communities for providing social support to mother who have ASD children.