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Volgyesi-Molnar M, Gyori M, Eapen V, Borsos Z, Havasi A, Jakab Z, Janoch L, Nemeth V, Oszi T, Szekeres A, Stefanik K. Quality of Life in Hungarian Parents of Autistic Individuals. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06243-3. [PMID: 38280137 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06243-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Parents of autistic individuals have been known to have a lower overall quality of life (QQL) than those of typically developing children. We present the first Hungarian large-sample study whose objective was to explore the differences in QOL between parents of autistic individuals (AS) and those of neurotypical (NT) persons. METHODS Based on the ABCX model we developed a questionnaire comprising standardized scales to characterize the life of parents involved. Our data came from parents of 842 individuals (ASD = 521, NT = 321) between 0 and 49 years. Battery deployed standardized instruments to examine quality of life (WHO-QQL BREF and Quality of Life in Autism questionnaire, QOLA). We assessed the families' socio-economic/demographic characteristics, parents' psychological well-being, the autistic/neurotypical individuals' characteristics, and the interventions. RESULTS Our data showed significantly lower QOL in parents of autistic individuals in all domains of questionnaires. We analyzed 20 relevant factors to uncover the predictors of parental QOL. We confirmed the existence of most but not all predictors present in earlier literature and identified intervention-related predictors. CONCLUSION Our study confirms the importance of supporting parents in their role, and of providing health and social supports that focus on quality of life, in addition to child care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Volgyesi-Molnar
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Miklos Gyori
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services (AUCS), South Western Sydney Local Health District & Ingham Institute, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Zsofia Borsos
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute for the Psychology of Special Needs, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Agnes Havasi
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Jakab
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute for the Psychology of Special Needs, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Laszlone Janoch
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Vivien Nemeth
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Education and Psychology, Doctoral School of Education, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamasne Oszi
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Agota Szekeres
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Institute of Education, Kaposvar, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Stefanik
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
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Chan KKS, Fung WTW, Leung DCK. Self-compassion mitigates the cognitive, affective, and social impact of courtesy stigma on parents of autistic children. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2023; 58:1649-1660. [PMID: 36566467 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-022-02413-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Due to the courtesy stigma of autism spectrum disorder, many parents of autistic children are devaluated and discriminated against by the public. Despite the high prevalence of this courtesy stigma, very few studies have examined its negative effects on parents of autistic children and explored the factors that may protect the parents from these negative effects. The present study utilized a 2-year, two-wave prospective longitudinal design to examine the associations of courtesy stigma with adverse cognitive (self-stigma), affective (depressive and anxiety symptoms), and social (parent-child and inter-parental conflicts) consequences for parents of autistic children and to test whether these associations would be moderated and mitigated by self-compassion. METHODS A total of 381 parents of autistic children completed questionnaires about courtesy stigma, self-compassion, self-stigma, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and parent-child and inter-parental conflicts at time 1 (T1) and time 2 (T2). RESULTS Courtesy stigma interacted with self-compassion at T1 in predicting self-stigma, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and parent-child and inter-parental conflicts at T2. Specifically, the associations of courtesy stigma with the adverse psychological consequences were weaker for parents with high self-compassion than for those with low self-compassion. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate the prospective associations of courtesy stigma with adverse cognitive, affective, and social consequences for parents of autistic children, as well as the protective effects of self-compassion against such associations. These results highlight the importance of increasing parents' self-compassion to help them cope with courtesy stigma and improve their psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Ka Shing Chan
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Winnie Tsz Wa Fung
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Donald Chi Kin Leung
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Han A, Kim TH. Effects of Self-Compassion Interventions on Reducing Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety, and Stress: A Meta-Analysis. Mindfulness (N Y) 2023; 14:1-29. [PMID: 37362192 PMCID: PMC10239723 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-023-02148-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Objectives A growing body of evidence shows self-compassion can play a key role in alleviating depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress in various populations. Interventions fostering self-compassion have recently received increased attention. This meta-analysis aimed to identify studies that measured effects of self-compassion focused interventions on reducing depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted within four databases to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The quality of the included RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool. Either a random-effects model or fixed-effects model was used. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to types of control groups, intervention delivery modes, and the involvement of directly targeted populations with psychological distress symptoms. Results Fifty-six RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Meta-analyses showed self-compassion focused interventions had small to medium effects on reducing depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress at the immediate posttest and small effects on reducing depressive symptoms and stress at follow-up compared to control conditions. The overall risk of bias across included RCTs was high. Conclusions Fewer studies were conducted to compare effects of self-compassion interventions to active control conditions. Also, fewer studies involved online self-compassion interventions than in-person interventions and directly targeted people with distress symptoms. Further high-quality studies are needed to verify effects of self-compassion interventions on depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress. As more studies are implemented, future meta-analyses of self-compassion interventions may consider conducting subgroup analyses according to intervention doses, specific self-compassion intervention techniques involved, and specific comparison or control groups. Preregistration This study is not preregistered. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12671-023-02148-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areum Han
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, SHPB 339, 1720 2Nd Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Tae Hui Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, 20 Ilsan-RoGangwon Province, Wonju, 26426 South Korea
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Wang H, Liu S, Xu J, Hu X, Han ZR. Daily experiences and well-being of Chinese parents of children with autism. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023:13623613221144191. [PMID: 36594108 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221144191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT The present study examined the influences of child-related stress, parental coping and social support on parental daily subjective well-being (i.e. positive and negative affect, life satisfactory) in Chinese families of children with autism spectrum disorder. For 14 days, a total of 76 parents (58 mothers) participated in the study and completed daily diaries. For mothers, child-related stress was related to lower life satisfaction; social support was related to higher life satisfaction that day. These daily relations were not found for fathers. Across all parents, avoidant coping was associated with higher negative affect and lower positive affect on the same day. Notably, daily positive coping was related to greater same-day positive affect as well as greater same-day and next-day life satisfaction. Interventions aimed at increasing positive coping and social support, and reducing child-related stress and avoidant coping are important to help parents maintain well-being, particularly for mothers of children with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, China
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Byrom NC, Dinu L, Kirkman A, Hughes G. Predicting stress and mental wellbeing among doctoral researchers. J Ment Health 2022; 31:783-791. [PMID: 32967498 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2020.1818196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although mental health in higher education is increasingly recognised as a public health issue, postgraduate research students are often overlooked. Recent studies indicate a high prevalence of mental distress in this population. AIMS This study assesses the experience of doctoral researchers and identifies factors influencing mental wellbeing and perceived stress. METHODS A cross-sectional study examined how key demographic, individual and contextual factors related to stress and mental wellbeing in a sample of 431 doctoral researchers in the United Kingdom. RESULTS Respondents gave positive reports about their supervisory relationship and identified feeling confidently prepared for their work. Family support, good general health, sleep and low levels of self-depreciation predicted stronger mental wellbeing and lower levels of stress. Students who were confident about their future career and felt well prepared for their studies were less stressed and those who were achievement orientated had better mental wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS Focused attention on exploring career options and building confidence may help reduce stress among doctoral researchers. Taking steps to tackle the imposter phenomenon may help further. These could include addressing fear of failure, improving confidence in research ability and clarifying the role of doctoral researchers within the wider academic community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola C Byrom
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Larisa Dinu
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ann Kirkman
- Student Wellbeing, University of Derby, Derby, UK
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Ahmed AN, Raj SP. Self-compassion Intervention for Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Feasibility Study. ADVANCES IN NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2022; 7:277-289. [PMID: 36440059 PMCID: PMC9676721 DOI: 10.1007/s41252-022-00305-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Parents of children with developmental disabilities (DDs) experience greater psychological distress (e.g., stress and depression) compared to parents of children without DDs. Self-compassion (i.e., responding with compassion to oneself during times of stress and difficulty) is associated with greater self-care as well as lower levels of stress, depression, and internalized stigma among parents of children with DDs. In this study, we tested the feasibility of a 4-week brief, asynchronous, online intervention targeting self-compassion among parents of children with DDs. Methods Participants were fifty parents (48 mothers; 2 fathers) of children with DDs. Participants' ages ranged from 25 to 62 years (M = 42.1 years, SD = 7.9 years), and 88% of participants had one child with a DD, and the remaining parents had two or more children with DDs. Child diagnoses included Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual disability. Feasibility was assessed in five domains (i.e., acceptability, demand, implementation, practicability, and limited efficacy) using a combination of self-report measures, qualitative feedback, and data on attrition. Results Most parents (84%) completed ≥ 3 modules, and 74% completed all four modules. Almost all parents (> 90%) reported that they would recommend the intervention to others. Paired-samples t-tests demonstrated significant pre-intervention to post-intervention increases in self-compassion and well-being, and significant reductions in parent depression and stress. Conclusions Overall, data support feasibility of the 4-week intervention targeting parent self-compassion and provide preliminary efficacy data that need to be followed up in a larger randomized control trial.
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Chorão AL, Canavarro MC, Pires R. Explaining Parenting Stress among Adoptive Parents: The Contribution of Mindfulness, Psychological Flexibility, and Self-Compassion. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14534. [PMID: 36361415 PMCID: PMC9658673 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Although parenting stress has been identified as one of the most important and highly acceptable targets for postadoption psychological intervention, knowledge regarding the modifiable factors that contribute to explaining this outcome among adoptive parents remains scarce. This study aimed to explore whether and to what extent adoptive parents' mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and self-compassion contribute to explaining parenting stress and to analyze whether this contribution varies according to children's age, time passed since the adoptive placement, and the parents' gender. Cross-sectional data from 302 Portuguese adoptive parents with children between 1 and 17 years old were collected online through self-response questionnaires. Controlling for a wide range of child-, adoption-, and parent-related variables, lower levels of mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and self-compassion were associated with higher levels of parenting stress. These associations were not moderated by children's age, time passed since the adoptive placement, or the parents' gender. The final regression model explained 50% of the variance in parenting stress. These results allow us to reflect on new guidelines for both preventive and remedial interventions with adoptive parents, given the apparent added value of promoting these psychological resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luz Chorão
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Cristina Canavarro
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Raquel Pires
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal
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Leung CNW, Tsang B, Huang DH, Chan RWS. Building Self-Efficacy in Parenting Adult Children With Autistic Spectrum Disorder: An Initial Investigation of a Two-Pronged Approach in Role Competence. Front Psychol 2022; 13:841264. [PMID: 35941955 PMCID: PMC9355802 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.841264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies on parenting adult children with ASD were scarce, and their intervention protocols mainly were derived from established work with children. Development of an applicable adult-oriented protocol and demonstration of its effectiveness is warranted. The present study outlined the development and evaluation of Core Autism Parenting Skills (CAPS), which targets to enhance parenting self-efficacy (PSE) intervention for adult children with ASD by addressing two intervention goals in parallel: acquisition of parenting skills and cultivating positive attributes. In CAPS, PSE is operationalised into four parent roles: to observe, reinforce, empathise, and accompany, each with requisite attributes, skills, and prescribed training. Twenty-seven parents with adult children with ASD (aged 16-37) were recruited. They completed measures assessing their PSE, competence in the four parent roles, and emotional well-being at pre-training, post-training and 2-month follow-up. The intervention was well-received by the participants and reported significant improvements in PSE, parent role competence at post-training and 2-month follow-up. The applicability of PSE and parent role competence in constructing effective parenting intervention for adult children with ASD was supported.
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Davy G, Unwin KL, Barbaro J, Dissanayake C. Leisure, employment, community participation and quality of life in caregivers of autistic children: A scoping review. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2022; 26:1916-1930. [PMID: 35765798 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221105836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT We searched a wide range of academic journals for published information on the participation levels of caregivers of autistic children in activities relating to leisure, social, community and employment contexts, and the impact that participation may have on caregiver quality of life. Overall, we found that the impact of parenting an autistic child is broad with caregivers often prioritising their child's needs over their own, particularly in occupational participation, which impacts their quality of life. Findings also highlighted a need for further research to investigate the experience of caregivers, and the relationship between participation and quality of life in caregivers of autistic children, as the results can inform the development of better supports for them.
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Emotion regulation and subjective well-being among parents of children with behavioral and emotional problems – the role of self-compassion. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03228-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Hampton LH, Stern YS, Fipp-Rosenfield H, Bearss K, Roberts MY. Parent-Implemented Positive Behavior Support Strategies for Young Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Pilot Investigation. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2022; 65:1921-1938. [PMID: 35394818 PMCID: PMC9559662 DOI: 10.1044/2022_jslhr-21-00361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Parents of children on the autism spectrum enrolled in early intervention often receive coaching to address both social communication and disruptive behavior, which are the two most frequently reported concerns by parents. Intervention techniques for both are often recommended to be implemented across daily routines and require the parents to learn new ways of interacting with their child. A sequential approach to instructing parents in these key intervention targets may reduce burden and increase adherence. METHOD This multiple-baseline design pilot study included three mother-child dyads who received instruction in a disruptive behavior intervention immediately following a social communication intervention. Maternal maintenance of social communication strategies and child disruptive behaviors were measured during probes throughout the study. RESULTS Results indicate that although mothers readily learned to implement the techniques, fidelity of implementing social communication strategies declined after introduction of the positive behavior support strategies. CONCLUSIONS A sequenced approach to parent-mediated intervention is feasible and acceptable. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.19528978.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yael S. Stern
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
| | - Hannah Fipp-Rosenfield
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
| | - Karen Bearss
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Megan Y. Roberts
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
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Wang Z, Wang L, Chang S, Wang H. The Mediating Effect of Parenting Stress on the Relationship Between Social Support and Quality of Life in Parents of Children With Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analytic Structural Equation Modeling. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:713620. [PMID: 35250654 PMCID: PMC8891381 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.713620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study is to investigate whether parenting stress mediate the relationship between social support and quality of life in parents of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. In addition, we examined what other variables moderate the relationships in this mediation model. METHODS Using the two-stage meta-analytic structural equation modeling approach (MASEM), 44 correlation matrices were synthesized from 28 empirical studies (N = 13,270) and fitted to the hypothesized mediation model. RESULTS There is a significant partial mediation effect of parenting stress on the relationship between social support and quality of life. Subgroup analysis through the first stage analysis suggested that social support measurements, parental role, and child's age moderated the relationship between social support and parenting stress, and that the focus of quality of life moderated the relationship between social support and quality of life. Subgroup analysis through the second stage analysis indicated that parenting stress had a significantly stronger predictive effect on quality of life in Western culture, while the predictive effect of social support on quality of life was significantly stronger in Eastern culture. CONCLUSION Having more social support can reduce parents' stress and then improving their quality of life, which can help them cope more positively and effectively with their autistic children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhidan Wang
- School of Education Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
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Zhang N, Sandler I, Tein JY, Wolchik S, Donohue E. Caregivers' Self-Compassion and Bereaved Children's Adjustment: Testing Caregivers' Mental Health and Parenting as Mediators. Mindfulness (N Y) 2022; 13:462-473. [PMID: 35035597 PMCID: PMC8742703 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-021-01807-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Self-compassion, which involves mindfulness, self-kindness, and common humanity, has been found to be related to individuals’ mental health. Few studies have examined caregivers’ self-compassion in relation to parenting behaviors and child adjustment in addition to its relation to their own mental health. In the current study we examined caregivers’ self-compassion as a protective factor related to parentally bereaved children’s internalizing and externalizing problems and further tested whether these relations were mediated by caregivers’ mental health (complicated grief and psychological distress) and parenting. Methods The sample consisted of 74 caregivers (female = 78.4%) who participated in a larger study designed for bereaved families. At T1 (baseline) and T2 (20 weeks later), caregivers completed measures on demographic information, self-compassion, complicated grief, parental warmth, and consistent discipline, as well as child internalizing and externalizing problems. Results Findings supported that caregivers’ self-compassion was prospectively related to decreased internalizing and externalizing problems in bereaved children. Mediation analyses showed that the effect of self-compassion on externalizing problems was mediated by parental warmth and by consistent discipline. In addition, caregivers’ self-compassion was prospectively associated with decreased complicated grief and psychological distress of the caregiver. Conclusions These findings add to the knowledge on the benefits of self-compassion for bereaved families and suggest that caregivers’ self-compassion intervention may be a leveraging point to protect both bereaved caregivers from complicated grief and distress but also to strengthen parenting which leads to bereaved children’s adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhang
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1 University Place, Stamford, CT 06901 USA
| | - Irwin Sandler
- REACH Institute, Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ USA
| | - Jenn-Yun Tein
- REACH Institute, Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ USA
| | - Sharlene Wolchik
- REACH Institute, Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ USA
| | - Erin Donohue
- Psychology Department, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University, St. Joseph, MN USA
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The Association between Parenting Stress, Positive Reappraisal Coping, and Quality of Life in Parents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Children: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 10:healthcare10010052. [PMID: 35052216 PMCID: PMC8775364 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Parents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children generally suffer from poor coping and an impaired quality of life (QoL). This systematic review investigates parenting stress, positive reappraisal coping, and QoL in parents with ASD children. A literature search was carried out for publications written in English on the selected investigation topics using five databases, namely, Scopus, PubMed, Wiley, ScienceDirect Online, and EBSCO. Only studies investigating or measuring parenting stress, positive reappraisal coping, and QoL in ASD were included. Our results indicate that parents with ASD children have high stress levels. This is associated with the ineffective use of coping strategies and a low QoL. Adaptive coping strategies are related to a higher QoL, whereas maladaptive coping techniques are related to a worse QoL. Positive reappraisal coping is negatively correlated to meaningfulness, and it is used by parents to change their daily routines in order to motivate themselves towards new and evolving goals in life. Finally, we found a significant negative correlation between parenting stress, positive reappraisal coping, and the QoL of parents with ASD children. Positive reappraisal coping as a strategy helps parents adapt to stress and was found to be a potential mediatory function between parental stress and QoL.
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Ramalho T, Pereira J, Ferreira C. How Compassionate Abilities Influence the Experience of Loneliness and Quality of Life of People with and without Chronic Physical Disease? THE JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 155:679-694. [PMID: 34410887 DOI: 10.1080/00223980.2021.1952922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study aimed to test whether individuals with and without a chronic physical disease differ in levels of compassionate abilities, loneliness and quality of life (QoL); and to examine whether loneliness mediated the impact of self-compassion and of receiving compassion from others in physical, psychological, and social QoL. In this cross-sectional study, individuals with (n = 278) and without (n = 455) physical chronic disease were recruited through an online self-report protocol. The Compassionate Attributes and Engagement Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the World Health Organization's QoL-BREF were used. Individuals with a chronic physical disease diagnosis reported lower compassionate abilities and QoL, as well as higher levels of loneliness, when compared to participants without a diagnosis. For both samples, compassionate abilities were negatively linked to loneliness, and positively linked to QoL. Path analysis results indicated that compassionate abilities have a direct effect on loneliness, which explains individuals' perceived QoL. Results highlight the crucial role of self-compassion skills and the ability to perceive others as compassionate, in loneliness and QoL, both in individuals with and without a chronic physical disease. These findings seem to have important research and clinical implications.
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Mahurin-Smith J, Beck A. Caregivers' Experiences of Infant Feeding Problems: The Role of Self-Compassion and Stress Management. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2021; 30:1856-1865. [PMID: 34191539 DOI: 10.1044/2021_ajslp-20-00298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Infant feeding problems are strongly associated with caregiver stress, which in turn is linked to poorer outcomes for children. Self-compassion is a modifiable trait strongly associated with improved mental health and greater resilience. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among self-compassion, stress management practices, and caregiver stress in a sample of parents who identified feeding problems in their infants. Method Parents who identified feeding problems in their infants completed an online survey. They described the feeding problems, completed the Self-Compassion Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale, and detailed their stress management practices. Results Higher self-compassion was strongly associated with lower overall stress and more modestly associated with lower feeding-related distress. More severe feeding problems were significantly more stressful for caregivers. Participants reported a wide variety of stress management approaches. Discussion These findings indicate that higher self-compassion is associated with lower caregiver stress for parents whose infants experience feeding problems. Implications for service providers are reviewed. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14831028.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Mahurin-Smith
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Illinois State University, Normal
| | - Ann Beck
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Illinois State University, Normal
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17
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Friesen KA, Weiss JA, Howe SJ, Kerns CM, McMorris CA. Mental Health and Resilient Coping in Caregivers of Autistic Individuals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from the Families Facing COVID Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:3027-3037. [PMID: 34240291 PMCID: PMC8265288 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05177-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many caregivers of autistic people experience mental health issues, and the impact of disruptions due to COVID-19 may present additional challenges for these individuals. This study characterized caregiver stress, anxiety, and resilient coping during COVID-19 and investigated the impact of COVID-19 disruptions, demographic variables, and resilient coping on mental health. The majority of caregivers reported some degree of disruption associated with COVID-19, and more than half reported moderate levels of stress and high anxiety. Resilient coping did not emerge as a moderator between COVID-19 disruptions and caregiver mental health, but instead had a direct effect on outcomes. Future research is needed to understand additional factors impacting the mental health of caregivers of autistic people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey A Friesen
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, EDT 508, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Jonathan A Weiss
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Stephanie J Howe
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, EDT 508, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Connor M Kerns
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Carly A McMorris
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, EDT 508, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
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18
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Wang H, Wang Q, Hu X, Han ZR. Mindfulness and Stress Among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in China. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:2035-2045. [PMID: 34050845 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05011-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be tremendously challenging. It is important to identify factors associated with parenting stress. This study examined the indirect effect of parental dispositional mindfulness on their anxiety and depressive symptoms and family quality of life (FQOL) through mindful parenting and then parenting stress. Seventy-nine Chinese parents (24.1% fathers) of children with ASD aged 3-13 years completed self-report questionnaires. Results indicated that higher dispositional mindfulness was associated with higher mindful parenting, which was related to lower parenting stress, and further related to lower anxiety and depressive symptoms and higher FQOL. The findings provide valuable insight into the potential pathways through which general mindfulness and mindful parenting may positively impact parental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiandong Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyi Hu
- Department of Special Education, Education Research Center for Children With ASD, Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, Rm 408, YingDong Building, Xin Jie Kou Wai Da Jie #19, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhuo Rachel Han
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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19
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Chio FHN, Mak WWS, Yu BCL. Meta-analytic review on the differential effects of self-compassion components on well-being and psychological distress: The moderating role of dialecticism on self-compassion. Clin Psychol Rev 2021; 85:101986. [PMID: 33667941 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2021.101986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although self-compassion has been extensively studied in the recent decades, the representation of self-compassion as a unitary measure or the presence of self-warmth (i.e., presence of the positive components: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness) and self-coldness (i.e., presence of the negative components: self-judgment, isolation, and mindfulness) remains controversial. Moreover, the differential effects of the six components of self-compassion on mental well-being and psychological distress have not been systematically investigated. To synthesize the differential effects of the six components of self-compassion and to examine how people in different cultures may associate the positive and negative components of self-compassion differentially, the present meta-analysis synthesized 183 effect sizes across 27 cultures. Results showed that the negative components of self-compassion (rs = 0.44 to 0.45) showed greater effect sizes with psychological distress than the positive counterparts (rs = -0.17 to -0.29) whereas the positive components of SCS (rs = 0.29 to.39) showed greater effect sizes with mental well-being than the negative counterparts (rs = -0.29 to -0.36), with the exception of common humanity and isolation (r = 0.29 and - 0.36). Cultural orientation of dialecticism moderated the association between the positive and the negative components of self-compassion, with dialectical cultures showing lower associations between the two opposing components. Findings have implications on the design and implementation of self-compassion interventions cross-culturally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floria H N Chio
- Department of Counselling and Psychology, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Hong Kong
| | - Winnie W S Mak
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong.
| | - Ben C L Yu
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong
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20
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Ismail MF, Safii R, Saimon R, Rahman MM. Quality of Life Among Malaysian Parents with Autism Spectrum Disorder Child: The Double ABCX Model Approach. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:113-123. [PMID: 33635421 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04929-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
This paper reported the quality of life (QoL) of 260 Malaysian parents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and factors which influencing it. About half of these parents reported to having good QoL. The factors identified in the double ABCX model showed that perceived social support and sense of coherence (SOC) were mediated by coping strategies and had a positive direct and indirect effect on parents' QoL. These finding reiterate the importance of social support, coping skills, and strong SOC reflection skills in influencing the QoL of parents with ASD child. We therefore suggest parents to utilize the widely available social and organization supports to gain good QoL, which is also important for the wellbeing of their child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Fahmi Ismail
- Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia.
| | - Razitasham Safii
- Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Rosalia Saimon
- Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Md Mizanur Rahman
- Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
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21
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Self-Compassion in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Analysis. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 51:1290-1303. [PMID: 32656737 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04612-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Emerging quantitative research found self-compassion to be a unique predictor of parental stress in parents of children with ASD above other predictors. However, research on the lived experience of self-compassion in families of children with ASD is limited. Using a qualitative thematic analysis approach, 19 mothers of children with ASD with a mean age of 39.19 years (SD = 3.56, Range = 31.00-50.00 years) were interviewed about their lived experiences of stress and self-compassion. Themes derived from interviews include: the impact and causes of stress, benefits of self-compassion, barriers to self-compassion, and aids to self-compassion. The findings deepen our understanding of the experience of self-compassion in this population. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
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22
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Douglas PS. Pre-emptive Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Theoretical Foundations and Clinical Translation. Front Integr Neurosci 2019; 13:66. [PMID: 31798425 PMCID: PMC6877903 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2019.00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are an emergent public health problem, placing significant burden upon the individual, family and health system. ASD are polygenetic spectrum disorders of neural connectome development, in which one or more feedback loops amplify small genetic, structural, or functional variations in the very early development of motor and sensory-motor pathways. These perturbations trigger a 'butterfly effect' of unpredictable cascades of structural and functional imbalances in the global neuronal workspace, resulting in atypical behaviors, social communication, and cognition long-term. The first 100 days post-term are critically neuroplastic and comprise an injury-sensitive developmental window, characterized by a neural biomarker, the persistence of the cortical subplate, and a behavioral biomarker, the crying diathesis. By the time potential diagnostic signs are identified, from 6 months of age, ASD neuropathy is already entrenched. The International Society for Autism Research Special Interest Group has called for pre-emptive intervention, based upon rigorous theoretical frames, and real world translation and evaluation. This paper responds to that call. It synthesizes heterogenous evidence concerning ASD etiologies from both psychosocial and biological research literatures with complexity science and evolutionary biology, to propose a theoretical framework for pre-emptive intervention. This paper hypothesizes that environmental factors resulting from a mismatch between environment of evolutionary adaptedness and culture initiate or perpetuate early motor and sensory-motor lesions, triggering a butterfly effect of multi-directional cascades of atypical developmental in the complex adaptive system of the parent and ASD-susceptible infant. Chronic sympathetic nervous system/hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperarousal and disrupted parent-infant biobehavioral synchrony are the key biologic and behavioral mechanisms perpetuating these atypical developmental cascades. A clinical translation of this evidence is proposed, for application antenatally and in the first 6 months of life, as pre-emptive intervention for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela S Douglas
- Transforming Maternity Care Collaborative, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Discipline of General Practice, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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