1
|
Salami S, Alhalal E. Gender differences in predictors of quality of life for parents of children with Autism Spectrum disorder in Saudi Arabia. J Pediatr Nurs 2024; 77:e117-e124. [PMID: 38565480 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2024.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Few researchers have examined gender differences in the quality of life (QoL) of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in diverse cultural contexts. The purpose of this study was to identify how ASD severity, affiliate stigma, perceived social support, family functioning, and coping strategies differentially predict the QoL of mothers and fathers of children with ASD in Saudi Arabia. DESIGN AND METHODS Based on a cross-sectional research design, data were gathered between April and July 2023 from a convenience sample of 376 parents (220 mothers and 156 fathers) of children with ASD in Saudi Arabia. Welch's t-test and regression were used to achieve the study purpose. RESULTS Mothers of children with ASD reported lower QoL, perceived social support, and family functioning than fathers. Mothers relied on emotion-focused coping strategies, whereas fathers used problem-focused coping strategies. Furthermore, affiliate stigma, perceived social support, and family functioning significantly predicted the QoL of mothers and fathers of children with ASD. However, the severity of ASD affected only the QoL of the mothers. Problem-focused coping significantly predicted fathers' QoL but not mothers' QoL. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight gender differences in the factors that predict the QoL of parents of children with ASD in Saudi Arabia. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Healthcare professionals should consider parents' gender when providing support and interventions to improve parental QoL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salma Salami
- PhD student, Nursing College, King Saud University, (Community and Mental Health Nursing), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Eman Alhalal
- Associate Professor, Nursing College, King Saud University, (Community and Mental Health Nursing), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
D'Arcy E, Burnett T, Capstick E, Elder C, Slee O, Girdler S, Scott M, Milbourn B. The Well-being and Support Needs of Australian Caregivers of Neurodiverse Children. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:1857-1869. [PMID: 36757543 PMCID: PMC9909132 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05910-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Caregivers of children with neurodiverse needs are known to experience challenges and hardship due to the increased needs of the child and the lack of support available. This study aimed to explore the support needs and well-being of caregivers of children with neurodiverse needs in Australia. Sixty-six caregivers participated in an online survey asking questions about support needs. The results highlighted five main themes that caregivers commonly experienced including: barriers to community engagement, impact on close relationships, negative impact on mental health and identity, financial hardship, and identified support needs. Findings identified multiple unmet needs existing amongst caregivers and further emphasises the importance of addressing these needs to improve the quality of life of caregivers of children with neurodiverse needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily D'Arcy
- Curtin Scool of Allied Health, Curtin University, 6102, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Tayah Burnett
- Curtin Scool of Allied Health, Curtin University, 6102, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Emily Capstick
- Curtin Scool of Allied Health, Curtin University, 6102, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Catherine Elder
- Curtin Scool of Allied Health, Curtin University, 6102, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Olivia Slee
- Curtin Scool of Allied Health, Curtin University, 6102, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Sonya Girdler
- Curtin Scool of Allied Health, Curtin University, 6102, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Melissa Scott
- Curtin Scool of Allied Health, Curtin University, 6102, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Ben Milbourn
- Curtin Scool of Allied Health, Curtin University, 6102, Perth, Western Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Brinkman AH, Barry TD, Lindsey RA. The Relation of Parental Expressed Emotion, Parental Affiliate Stigma, and Typically-developing Sibling Internalizing Behavior in Families with a Child with ASD. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:4591-4603. [PMID: 36180666 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05760-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience greater stress, expressed emotion (EE), and affiliate stigma than caregivers of children without ASD. Siblings of children with ASD often experience greater negative functioning than siblings of individuals without ASD. The current study found significant interrelations among symptom severity and externalizing behavior in children with ASD; parental stress, affiliate stigma, and EE; and TD sibling internalizing behavior. In addition, certain subcomponents of affiliate stigma predicted unique variance in EE and TD sibling internalizing behavior. Findings may increase understanding of psychosocial functioning in families with children with ASD and allow clinicians to improve outcomes for all family members. Limitations of the study included self-report data, limited sample diversity, and a cross-sectional design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurora H Brinkman
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Johnson Tower 233, PO Box 644820, 99164-4820, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Tammy D Barry
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Johnson Tower 233, PO Box 644820, 99164-4820, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lovell B, Wetherell MA. Social support mediates the relationship between dispositional gratitude and psychological distress in caregivers of autistic children. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023; 28:2084-2094. [PMID: 36617657 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2162939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Grateful caregivers report lower levels of psychological distress. Social support, engendered by gratitude and buffering against stress, might mediate this effect. Here we explored whether the protective psychological effect of dispositional gratitude might be mediated by increased social support. A sample of 126 caregivers of autistic children completed questionnaires assessing dispositional gratitude, social support and psychological distress. Gratitude inversely predicted psychological distress, as did social support after adjusting for gratitude. Gratitude positively predicted social support. Gratitude no longer predicted psychological distress after adjusting for social support. Indirect effects analysis revealed the gratitude-distress relationship occurred indirectly via social support. Grateful caregivers reported higher levels of social support, and this predicted lower psychological distress. Gratitude, relatively stable as a disposition, has a state component that is sensitive to change, and healthcare professionals might do well to recommend gratitude enhancing interventions for caregivers of autistic children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Lovell
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mark A Wetherell
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Drent HM, van den Hoofdakker B, Buitelaar JK, Hoekstra PJ, Dietrich A. Factors Related to Perceived Stigma in Parents of Children and Adolescents in Outpatient Mental Healthcare. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191912767. [PMID: 36232067 PMCID: PMC9566109 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912767] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about factors contributing to perceived stigma in parents of children and adolescents with behavioral and emotional problems in outpatient mental healthcare. We aimed to identify the most relevant factors related to perceived parental stigma using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression including a broad range of factors across six domains: (1) child characteristics, (2) characteristics of the primary parent, (3) parenting and family characteristics, (4) treatment-related characteristics, (5) sociodemographic characteristics, and (6) social-environmental characteristics. We adapted the Parents' Perceived Stigma of Service Seeking scale to measure perceived public stigma and affiliate stigma in 312 parents (87.8% mothers) during the first treatment year after referral to an outpatient child and adolescent clinic. We found that the six domains, including 45 individual factors, explained 34.0% of perceived public stigma and 19.7% of affiliate stigma. Child and social-environmental characteristics (social relations) explained the most deviance in public stigma, followed by parental factors. The strongest factors were more severe problems of the child (especially callous-unemotional traits and internalizing problems), mental healthcare use of the parent, and lower perceived parenting competence. The only relevant factor for affiliate stigma was lower perceived parenting competence. Our study points to the multifactorial nature of perceived stigma and supports that parents' perceived public stigma is susceptible to social influences, while affiliate stigma relates to parents' self-evaluation. Increasing parents' perceived parenting competence may help mitigate perceived stigma. Future studies should explore how stigma relates to treatment outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Halewijn M. Drent
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9723 HE Groningen, The Netherlands
- Accare Child Study Center, 9723 HE Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara van den Hoofdakker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9723 HE Groningen, The Netherlands
- Accare Child Study Center, 9723 HE Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan K. Buitelaar
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter J. Hoekstra
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9723 HE Groningen, The Netherlands
- Accare Child Study Center, 9723 HE Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Dietrich
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9723 HE Groningen, The Netherlands
- Accare Child Study Center, 9723 HE Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chan KKS, Yip CCH, Leung DCK. Longitudinal impact of self-stigma content and process on parental warmth and hostility among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2022:10.1007/s10803-022-05529-8. [PMID: 35441921 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05529-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This study examined whether self-stigma content and process would prospectively influence parental warmth and hostility through increasing parenting stress among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). On three occasions across two years, 441 Hong Kong parents of children with ASD provided questionnaire data. Path analyses showed that self-stigma content and process were associated with greater parenting stress, which was, in turn, associated with reduced parental warmth and increased parental hostility. Our findings reveal the longitudinal influences of self-stigma on parenting practices and demonstrate how these influences can be explained by parenting stress. Our findings also suggest the importance of supporting parents of children with ASD to mitigate self-stigma and associated parenting stress in improving their parenting practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Ka Shing Chan
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong. .,Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong.
| | | | - Donald Chi Kin Leung
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fallahchai R, Fallahi M. Parental stress and dyadic adjustment among parents of children with ASD: Moderating effects of dyadic coping and perceived social support. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 123:104192. [PMID: 35149330 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies examining the association between child behavior problems and parental stress have reported mixed results. AIM This study aimed to explore the associations between child behavior problems and parental stress as well as parental stress and dyadic adjustment, and the moderating roles of stress communication, perceived partner supportive dyadic coping, and perceived social support in the relationship between parental stress and dyadic adjustment. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Data were derived from 233 parents with at least one child with ASD from Iran. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS The results demonstrated that child behavior problems were positively associated with parental stress whereas parental stress was negatively associated with dyadic adjustment. Furthermore, stress communication, perceived partner supportive dyadic coping, and perceived social support moderated the relationship between parental stress and dyadic adjustment. CONCLUSIONS The current findings may attract the attention of clinicians and professionals who work with parents of children with ASD on the effect of stress and how to manage stress on these parents' dyadic adjustment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Fallahchai
- Department of Psychology, University of Hormozgan, P.O. Box 3995, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | - Maryam Fallahi
- Department of Psychology, University of Hormozgan, P.O. Box 3995, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Turnock A, Langley K, Jones CR. Understanding Stigma in Autism: A Narrative Review and Theoretical Model. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2022; 4:76-91. [PMID: 36605561 PMCID: PMC8992913 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2021.0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The experience of stigma by autistic people is relatively understudied, despite contributing to a range of poor outcomes and having an overarching impact on well-being. The current review of the literature synthesizes research to determine what is currently known and presents a theoretical model of autism stigma. Autism stigma is primarily influenced by a public and professional understanding of autism in combination with interpretation of visible autistic traits. Moderating factors include the quality and quantity of contact with autistic people, cultural factors, sex and gender, individual differences, and diagnostic disclosure. Stigma can reduce well-being as well as increase the presence of camouflaging behaviors, which mask autistic traits. Caregivers of autistic people can experience stigma by association, that is, affiliate stigma, which can impact their own well-being. A variety of interventions and approaches to reduce stigma are discussed, including "autism friendly" spaces, positive media representation, educational and psychosocial training for the public and professionals, as well as cultural and systemic shifts that foster inclusivity and recognize neurodiversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Turnock
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Langley
- Wales Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine R.G. Jones
- Wales Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.,Address correspondence to: Catherine R.G. Jones, PhD, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Eshraghi AA, Cavalcante L, Furar E, Alessandri M, Eshraghi RS, Armstrong FD, Mittal R. Implications of parental stress on worsening of behavioral problems in children with autism during COVID-19 pandemic: "the spillover hypothesis". Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:1869-1870. [PMID: 35064235 PMCID: PMC8780050 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01433-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adrien A. Eshraghi
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA ,grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA ,grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL USA ,grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA
| | - Leylane Cavalcante
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA
| | - Emily Furar
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA
| | - Michael Alessandri
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL USA
| | - Rebecca S. Eshraghi
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA
| | - F. Daniel Armstrong
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA
| | - Rahul Mittal
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pyszkowska A, Rożnawski K, Farny Z. Self-stigma and cognitive fusion in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. The moderating role of self-compassion. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12591. [PMID: 35003921 PMCID: PMC8684717 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Research shows that people with autism spectrum disorder and their families often experience social stigma. The internalization of social stigma can lead to the occurrence of self-stigma, understood as an internalized cognitive-affective self-directed and rigid process that results in individuals agreeing with stigmatizing opinions and applying them to themselves. Experiencing self-stigma can lead to a cognitive fusion with negative thoughts–especially those about oneself. Previous studies show that self-compassion reduces feelings of suffering, shame and self-stigma in a group of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. The aim of this study was to test the relationship between self-stigma and cognitive fusion among parents of children with ASD. The moderating role of self-compassion as a protective factor was also verified. Methods The following questionnaires were used: Perceived Public Stigma Scale, Perceived Courtesy Stigma Scale, Self-Compassion Scale–Short Form, Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire, and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. The study included 233 Polish parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (including 218 women). Results The results showed a positive correlation between fusion and both affiliate (r = 0.31, p < 0.001) and public stigma (r = 0.33, p < 0.001). Fusion and self-compassion were significant predictors of affiliate stigma. Self-compassion moderated the relationship between fusion and depression (β = −0.11, p < 0.05) and the relationship between fusion and stress (β = −0.11, p < 0.05). Cognitive fusion with negative beliefs about oneself can contribute to self-stigma. Defusion-oriented actions are an opportunity to distance oneself from emerging thoughts and eliminate their negative consequences. Self-compassion manifests itself in a compassionate and accepting attitude towards oneself and improves the individual’s well-being. Actions taken to strengthen the indicated factors could contribute to a better quality of life of parents of children with ASD.
Collapse
|
11
|
Petcharat M, Liehr P. Feasibility of a brief mindfulness intervention: Examining stress, anxiety and mindfulness for Thai parents of children with developmental disabilities. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2021; 35:418-426. [PMID: 34561054 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM To examine the feasibility of using a 2-weekend Brief Culturally Tailored Thai Mindfulness intervention (BCTTMi) to affect stress, anxiety, and mindfulness in Thai parents of children with developmental disabilities (DDs), based on eight feasibility study criteria. METHODS A BCTTMi was implemented with 22 Thai parents and caregivers of children with DDs with an experimental waitlist control crossover design. All participants were Thai and Buddhist; more than half had practiced meditation. The outcomes (stress, anxiety, mindfulness) were assessed with three Thai translated questionnaires, which had reported acceptable reliabilities. To address the feasibility criteria, data were gathered using virtual engagement, diary recordings, and a pre-, post-test trial. RESULTS Assessment of the eight qualities of feasibility indicated: 1) acceptability: the BCTTMi appealed to the participants; 2) demand: the participants practiced mindfulness at home; 3) implementation: the mindfulness practitioner was qualified; 4) practicality: anxiety was the only outcome measure sensitive to the BCTTMi (p = .005); 5) adaptation: there was no attrition with the shortened mindfulness intervention; 6) integration: the BCTTMi may be included as part of the participants' routine club meeting; 7) expansion: a home visit and booster sessions may add strength; 8) limited efficacy: future work with 50 participants will allow adequate power when anxiety is the outcome. CONCLUSIONS Further studies testing the BCTTMi are warranted in broader populations and across varied settings. However, it will be important to do preliminary work to identify outcomes measures, other than anxiety, that are sensitive to the BCTTMi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Patricia Liehr
- Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Čolić M, Dababnah S, Milačić-Vidojević I. A model of internalized stigma in parents of individuals with disabilities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 68:924-932. [PMID: 36568618 PMCID: PMC9788690 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2021.1924032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Background: Stigma has negative impacts on both individuals with disabilities and their caregivers, including poor mental health and social isolation. In the present study, we aimed to test a model of stigma internalization among parents of individuals with disabilities, as this process in not yet completely understood. Aim: Specifically, we explored effects of experienced stigma and neuroticism on affiliate stigma and examined whether perceived stigma and self-blame are mediators in a stigma internalization model. Methods: We recruited 82 parents of individuals with disabilities in Serbia over the course of six months. Parents were asked about perceived stigma, experienced stigma, affiliate stigma, self-blame, and they completed an assessment of personality traits. Results: Both experienced stigma and neuroticism were positively correlated with affiliate stigma. In addition, perceived stigma was a mediator between these variables: parents who experienced stigma more and had higher neuroticism scores reported higher degrees of perceived stigma, which in turn positively affected affiliate stigma. Self-blame was not a significant mediator in the tested model. Conclusion: We conclude stigma internalization among parents of individuals with disabilities is a complex process, involving experienced stigma, neuroticism, and perceived stigma. Interventions should include multiple paths to adequately support parents to combat stigma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marija Čolić
- Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sarah Dababnah
- School of Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Fitzgerald J, Wilson C, Kelly C, Gallagher L. 'More than a box of puzzles': Understanding the parental experience of having a child with a rare genetic condition". Eur J Med Genet 2021; 64:104164. [PMID: 33571692 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104164] [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] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromosomal microarray (CMA) testing has been adopted as the first-tier diagnostic test for developmental disabilities. However, determining the clinical significance of the results is often complex. This qualitative study seeks to explore parental interpretation, adaption and coping in the context of ambiguous rare genetic findings in order to support parental adjustment and wellbeing. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with parents (n = 30) of children identified with a rare genetic chromosomal abnormality. RESULTS Three major themes were identified following a thematic analysis: 'Learning of the Genetic Diagnosis', "The Reality of the Rarity' and 'Beyond Genetics: The Child Takes Centre Stage'. Findings demonstrated that parental adjustment to their child's genetic results are mediated by several factors including child difficulties and stage of development, clinician communication, perception of genetics, intrinsic coping strategies, access to practical and emotional support as well as broader contextual experiences. CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of considering the parental perspective in the context of genetic testing in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Clare Kelly
- School of Psychology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland; Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Louise Gallagher
- Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin; Linn Dara Regional CAMHS Network, Cherry Orchard Hospital, Dublin 10, Ballyfermot; Children Health Ireland at Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24
| |
Collapse
|