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Baena S, Jiménez L, Bejarano S, Hidalgo V. Perceived Impact, Needs, and Resources of Grandparents of Children and Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Qualitative Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06537-6. [PMID: 39242472 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06537-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Grandparents play different roles in families of children and adolescents on the autism spectrum. They are frequently engaged in caregiving tasks with the person on the autism spectrum, providing emotional and instrumental support to the family. However, despite their frequent involvement and the importance of their role in the family, there are few studies that address the experiences of these grandparents, particularly in the Spanish and southern Europe context. This study explores the impact and needs of having a grandchild on the autism spectrum and the resources that grandparents have and use to face the difficulties that arise. A semi-structured interview was carried out with 17 grandparents of children and adolescents on the autism spectrum. We conducted a coding reliability thematic analysis of the impact and used a quantitative content analysis of grandparents' needs and resources. Results indicated three main aspects related to the impact: personal growth, wanting to help and not being able to, and suffering at three levels: for themselves, their sons and daughters, and grandchildren. Grandparents perceived needs in four contexts: their own needs, the needs of the nuclear family, the needs of the person on the autism spectrum, and the needs of society. The most frequent needs were informational and management of behavioral difficulties. In the resources, the most frequently used strategies were religious beliefs and informal support seeking. It is essential to address the quality of parents-grandparents' relationships, and include grandparents in intervention programmes, as a way of addressing grandparents' needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Baena
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Seville, Spain
| | - Lucía Jiménez
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.
| | - Sonia Bejarano
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Victoria Hidalgo
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
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Cengiz S, Peker A. Depression and life satisfaction after Kahramanmaraş earthquakes: The serial mediation roles of life meaning and coping with earthquake stress. J Health Psychol 2024; 29:1228-1240. [PMID: 38321711 DOI: 10.1177/13591053241229554] [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] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to examine the meaning of life, and the mediating effect of strategies for coping with earthquake stress in the relationship between depression, and life satisfaction in survivors of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş centered earthquakes. The participants of this study were 472 adults (31.1% male, 68.9% female; Mage = 24.52) who were affected by earthquakes. The data of the study were tested with the bootstrapping-based PROCESS macro program (Model-81). The results showed that depression negatively predicted life satisfaction. Meaning of life mediated the relationship between depression and life satisfaction. However, problem solving and cognitive avoidance coping strategies reduced the effects of depression and the meaning of life on life satisfaction. These results can be a resource for mental health services for earthquake victims. At the same time, the study provides evidence that protecting personal resources in disaster situations positively affects life satisfaction in terms of conservation of resources theory (COR).
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Alegría PL, Landim SF, Branco BHM, Carmine F, Birditt K, Sandoval C, González MM. Dental Hygiene Challenges in Children with Autism: Correlation with Parental Stress: A Scoping Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4675. [PMID: 39200817 PMCID: PMC11355692 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13164675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders are shown to have poor periodontal health and dental hygiene habits. Extensive research has revealed that parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently encounter heightened levels of stress, despair, and anxiety in comparison to parents of neurotypical children. The aim was to understand the relationship between the dental hygiene of children with ASD and the stress generated in their parents. Methods: A scoping review was carried out to identify any gaps or research opportunities for clinical practice concerning oral care and stress levels in parents in the PubMed, Medline, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases. Results: A total of 139 articles were reviewed. Of these, only 10 met the selection criteria for inclusion. Our results reveal a lack of studies presenting evidence on the topic of poor dental hygiene in children with ASD and high stress levels in their parents. Discussion: There is ample evidence that children with ASD have poor dental hygiene, as well as higher levels of stress in their parents. However, little or no evidence links these two variables. Future studies should focus on this link, which could have practical implications for improving dental care for children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo López Alegría
- Escuela de Terapia Ocupacional, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Talca, Talca 3465548, Chile; (P.L.A.); (S.F.L.)
| | - Síbila Floriano Landim
- Escuela de Terapia Ocupacional, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Talca, Talca 3465548, Chile; (P.L.A.); (S.F.L.)
- Graduate Program in Health Promotion, Cesumar University (UniCesumar), Maringá 87050-900, Brazil;
| | | | - Florencia Carmine
- Carrera de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile;
| | - Katherine Birditt
- Physiology Development and Neuroscience Department, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK;
| | - Cristian Sandoval
- Escuela de Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomás, Los Carreras 753, Osorno 5310431, Chile
- Departamento de Medicina Interna, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Núcleo Científico y Tecnológico en Biorecursos (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
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Tönis KJM, Drossaert CHC, Ten Klooster PM, Schaer M, Bourgeron T, Buitelaar JK, Sadaka Y, Freitag CM, Lapidus KM, Chiocchetti AG, Staal WG, Bohlmeijer ET. Effectiveness of a positive psychology and mindfulness-based app on mental health for parents of children with a neurodevelopmental disorder: study protocol of a pragmatic international randomized controlled trial. Trials 2024; 25:412. [PMID: 38926739 PMCID: PMC11210113 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08256-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Parents of children with a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) experience more stress than parents of typically developing children. In a cocreation process with experts and parents, a low-threshold application that uses exercises based on the principles of positive psychology and mindfulness was developed. This application, called "Adappt," aims at enhancing the ability to adapt of the parents and caregivers of children with NDDs and at supporting their mental health. This protocol describes the evaluation study of the effectiveness of Adappt, its core working mechanisms and user experiences. METHOD A pragmatic international multicenter randomized controlled trial will compare the effectiveness of Adappt with a (delayed) waitlist control condition. At least 212 parents or primary caregivers of children younger than 18 years diagnosed with or suspected of a NDD will be randomly assigned to the intervention or waitlist control condition. Participants are excluded if they have severe anxiety or depression levels or are in treatment for mental health issues. Measures will be collected online at baseline, post-intervention (1 month after baseline), and 4 and 7 months after baseline. The primary outcome is the improvement in generic sense of ability to adapt as measured with the Generic Sense of Ability to Adapt Scale (GSAAS; (Front Psychol 14:985408, 2023)) at 4-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes are mental well-being, (parental) distress, and client satisfaction with "Adappt." DISCUSSION Results of this study will contribute to knowledge on the effectiveness of a low-threshold application for parents of children with a NDD in multiple countries. If the application is found to be effective in improving mental health, recommendations will be made for implementation in health care. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06248762) on February 8, 2024, and the Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/5znqv ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim J M Tönis
- Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, Section of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, 217 , Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - Constance H C Drossaert
- Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, Section of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, 217 , Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Peter M Ten Klooster
- Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, Section of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, 217 , Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Marie Schaer
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jan K Buitelaar
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Yair Sadaka
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Pediatric Division, Soroka Medical Center of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Christine M Freitag
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Goethe University, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Keren Mayer Lapidus
- Negev Child Development Center of the Israel Ministry of Health, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Andreas G Chiocchetti
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Goethe University, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Wouter G Staal
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ernst T Bohlmeijer
- Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, Section of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, 217 , Enschede, The Netherlands
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Međaković J, Čivljak A, Zorčec T, Vučić V, Ristić-Medić D, Veselinović A, Čivljak M, Puljak L. Perceptions on support, challenges and needs among parents and caregivers of children with developmental disabilities in Croatia, North Macedonia and Serbia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:297. [PMID: 38702636 PMCID: PMC11067112 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04770-7] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents/caregivers of children with developmental disabilities (CDD) have a wide range of support needs and there are various interventions available. Support, challenges, and needs among parents/caregivers of CDD likely vary in different geographical settings. This study aimed to analyze the perceptions of support, challenges, and needs among parents/caregivers of CDD in Croatia, North Macedonia, and Serbia. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study in March-April 2023 within the Erasmus + SynergyEd project. The eligible participants were parents and caregivers of CDD in Croatia, North Macedonia, and Serbia, who filled out a modified Caregiver Needs Survey online. RESULTS Among 953 participants, 542 (57%) were from Croatia, 205 (21%) were from North Macedonia and 206 (22%) were from Serbia. The most common diagnosis of participants' children was autism spectrum disorder (26%). The child most often received the first diagnosis at the median of 2 years, diagnosed by a team of professionals. More than half (58%) of children attended preschool and public school, while 22% did not attend any schooling. Additional support from the state/city/county was received by 66% of CDD. Most participants declared not participating in association/organization for family support. Participants mostly (68%) used experts who work with the child as a source of information about their child's condition, followed by the Internet (53%). In the last 12 months, 60% of participants had difficulties with the availability of services in their area or problems getting appointments. The biggest problem in getting support was ensuring the child's basic rights were protected. Participants stated that ensuring greater rights for CDD was the greatest need for their families. CONCLUSION Parents/caregivers of CDD in Croatia, North Macedonia, and Serbia faced multiple challenges, but most of them were satisfied with the services provided to their children. Future efforts to develop policies and services related to CDD should consider the opinions of their parents/caregivers and disparities in access to services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Međaković
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine and Health Care, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Antonia Čivljak
- Institute of Emergency Medicine of Zagreb County, Velika Gorica, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tatjana Zorčec
- University Children's Hospital Medical Faculty, Skopje, North, Macedonia
| | - Vesna Vučić
- Centre of Research Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism, Group for Nutritional Biochemistry and Dietology, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Ristić-Medić
- Centre of Research Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism, Group for Nutritional Biochemistry and Dietology, Institute for Medical Research, National institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Veselinović
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute "Life Activities Advancement Centre", Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Marta Čivljak
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine and Health Care, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Livia Puljak
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine and Health Care, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia.
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Yang J, Gao Y, Wang W, Wang J, Wang Y, Yuan L. Interventions to address parenting stress among caregivers of children with chronic diseases: An umbrella review. J Clin Nurs 2024; 33:1626-1646. [PMID: 38323676 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.17060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregivers of children with chronic diseases suffer from great parenting pressure, which directly affects the treatment and rehabilitation of children, reduces the quality of life of caregivers and damages family functioning. Existing reviews have not systematically summarized and evaluated interventions for parenting stress in caregivers of children with chronic diseases. DATA SOURCES Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, OVID, CNKI, CBM, Wan Fang and Cochrane Library were searched for eligible reviews in November 2021 and October 2022. METHODS Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, reviewed full texts of articles for eligibility, and appraised the quality of reviews using JBI. The quality of the evidence was assessed using GRADE. Findings are reported in accordance with PRISMA checklist. Narrative summaries grouped findings by intervention types. RESULTS Out of 2632 records, we included 21 systematic reviews for a synthesis. Interventions for parenting stress in children with chronic diseases were divided into seven categories. Cognitive behavioural interventions, psychosocial interventions, child behavioural and/or developmental parent interventions and synthesized interventions have shown high-level evidence in reducing parenting stress for caregivers of children with chronic diseases. Furthermore, outcome measures and intervention protocols were highly heterogeneous across interventions. CONCLUSIONS This umbrella review suggest that reducing the parenting stress of caregivers of children with chronic diseases can directly target caregivers' parenting stress through cognitive behavioural interventions/psychosocial interventions and/or provide guidance to parents on the behavioural and developmental problems of children with chronic diseases. A more standardized approach to outcome measures is essential to assess efficacy and compare interventions across studies. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The findings provide information and evidence for reducing parenting stress among caregivers of children with chronic diseases to guide the development of comprehensive intervention strategies. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Patient or public contribution does not apply to this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinrong Yang
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Preventive Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuqin Gao
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Weiren Wang
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Junyan Wang
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yanjie Wang
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Lulu Yuan
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
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Mavroeidi N, Sifnaios C, Ntinou A, Iatrou G, Konstantakopoulou O, Merino Martínez M, Nucifora M, Tanrikulu I, Vadolas A. Exploring the Potential Impact of Training on Short-Term Quality of Life and Stress of Parents of Children with Autism: The Integrative Parents' Autism Training Module. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:474. [PMID: 38673385 PMCID: PMC11050325 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Parents of autistic children experience high levels of parental stress and low quality of life related to the demanding child caring burden they experience. Parent education and training programs are acknowledged to improve parental well-being and reduce parenting stress. In the framework of the Erasmus+ Integrative Autism Parents Training Project (IPAT), we developed the IPAT Training Module based on parents' expressed needs, in order to improve parental quality of life (QoL) and decrease their perceived stress. Sixty-two parents from four countries participated in the IPAT Module Training activity. We used WHOQOL-BREF and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10 version) for QoL and stress, respectively, before and after training and a study-specific questionnaire to assess participants' satisfaction. Parents' QoL improved significantly in the environment domain and specific items, while stress levels remained unmodified. Training appeared more advantageous for parents with lower initial QoL and those whose child had been enrolled in a special education program for an extended duration. Parents were quite satisfied, in particular those with lower initial social relationships QoL. Larger studies including a control group are necessary to support preliminary evidence provided by this study, identify additional effect moderators, and disentangle the contribution of different components of the training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikoletta Mavroeidi
- Department of Scientific Documentation and Education, Child and Adolescent Center, 12123 Peristeri, Greece; (C.S.); (G.I.); (A.V.)
| | - Christos Sifnaios
- Department of Scientific Documentation and Education, Child and Adolescent Center, 12123 Peristeri, Greece; (C.S.); (G.I.); (A.V.)
| | | | - Giorgos Iatrou
- Department of Scientific Documentation and Education, Child and Adolescent Center, 12123 Peristeri, Greece; (C.S.); (G.I.); (A.V.)
- Department of Psychology, University of West Macedonia, 53100 Florina, Greece
| | - Olympia Konstantakopoulou
- Center for Health Services Management and Evaluation, Department of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | | | | | - Ibrahim Tanrikulu
- Department of Psychological Counseling & Guidance, Faculty of Education Gaziantep University, Şehitkamil-Gaziantep 27310, Turkey;
| | - Antonios Vadolas
- Department of Scientific Documentation and Education, Child and Adolescent Center, 12123 Peristeri, Greece; (C.S.); (G.I.); (A.V.)
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Qian G, Li B, Xu L, Ai S, Li X, Lei X, Dou G. Parenting style and young children's executive function mediate the relationship between parenting stress and parenting quality in two-child families. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8503. [PMID: 38605222 PMCID: PMC11009342 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59225-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
This study explored the relationship between parenting stress, parenting style, parenting quality, and young children's executive function. In total, 243 firstborns aged 2-9 years old (SD = 3.82) and their parents from two-child families in Beijing participated in the study, which used executive function tasks and parenting questionnaires. The results found that (1) parenting stress negatively predicted parenting quality; (2) parenting style partially mediated the relationship between parenting stress and parenting quality; (3) children's executive function partially mediated the relationship between parenting stress and parenting quality; and (4) the spoiled, democratic, permissive, and authoritarian parenting styles each play a chain mediating role with young children's executive function between parenting stress and parenting quality. Taken together, these findings provide implications for scientific parenting of children with different psychological characteristics (such as executive function) in multiple-child families under Parenting stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoying Qian
- College of Preschool Education, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Bingbing Li
- College of Preschool Education, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Xu
- College of Preschool Education, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Siqi Ai
- College of Preschool Education, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Preschool Education, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xueqing Lei
- School of Education, Hubei University of Arts and Science, 296 Longzhong Road, Xiangyang, Hubei, China
| | - Gang Dou
- School of Education, Hubei University of Arts and Science, 296 Longzhong Road, Xiangyang, Hubei, China.
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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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10
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Dai Y, Chen M, Deng T, Huang B, Ji Y, Feng Y, Liu S, Zhang L. The importance of parenting self-efficacy and social support for family quality of life in children newly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: A one-year follow-up study. Autism Res 2024; 17:148-161. [PMID: 37987229 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Improving the quality of family life (FQoL) is one of the ultimate goals for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) intervention, and parenting self-efficacy and social support are critical for the well-being of families. However, longitudinal studies focusing on FQoL and its predictors for families of children with ASD are scarce. This study aims to describe the characteristics of FQoL among parents of children newly diagnosed with ASD at two waves (newly diagnosed and diagnosed after one year) and to explore the predictors of FQoL at two waves. It was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Guangzhou, China. A total of 156 parents and their children were included in Wave 1, followed up with 110 in Wave 2 after 1 year. The overall satisfaction of FQoL improved (t = -2.128, p < 0.05), while satisfaction with physical/material well-being decreased (t = 5.972, p < 0.01). Additionally, the overall importance rating of FQoL improved but did not have statistical significance (p > 0.05). Parents with higher parenting self-efficacy (β = 0.716, P < 0.01), and more subjective social support (β = 1.127, p < 0.001) reported higher satisfaction with FQoL, and those with better social support utilization (β = 1.066, p < 0.05) reported higher importance for FQoL. FQoL needs to be improved in the early stage of ASD diagnosis, and parental self-efficacy and social support can serve as the intervention targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushen Dai
- School of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miaoying Chen
- Child Development and Behavior Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University Lingnan Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Deng
- School of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baoqin Huang
- Child Development and Behavior Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University Lingnan Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Ji
- Child Development and Behavior Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University Lingnan Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongshen Feng
- School of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaofei Liu
- School of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lifeng Zhang
- School of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Ran Q, Tu L, Wu Y, Zhang S, Zhang E, Li H, Su Y, Xiang M. Formal social support and quality of life of caregivers with autistic children: a large-scale nationwide survey in China. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1282778. [PMID: 38179564 PMCID: PMC10766108 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1282778] [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] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were reported poor quality of life (QOL). Formal social support might improve the QOL of caregivers, however, limited research to date has focused on this association in China and formal social support for this group is conspicuously lacking. The study was aim to understand the QOL in male and female caregivers with ASD children in China and to explore the relationship between QOL and formal social support for caregivers with children with ASD through a large-scale nationwide survey. Methods An online questionnaire was used to conduct a cross-sectional study with a sample of 6,120 caregivers of children with ASD. Relationship between Quality of Life and several potential predictors is measured and analyzed. Quality of life were measured by Medical Study Short-Form Health Survey version 2 (Chinese version). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors affecting caregivers' QOL. Results The results revealed that the QOL of caregivers of autistic children in China was poor especially male caregivers. Social support was a positive predictor. More importantly, formal social support from rehabilitation institutions can improve caregivers' physical QOL. Caregivers' satisfaction with the rehabilitation institutions affecting their physical and mental QOL. Conclusion The formal social support provided by rehabilitation institutions plays a positive role in improving the quality of life of caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Ran
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangzhi Tu
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinghui Wu
- School of Nursing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Erliang Zhang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huilun Li
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya Su
- School of Nursing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mi Xiang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Krause JT, Brown SM. Mindfulness Intervention Improves Coping and Perceptions of Children's Behavior among Families with Elevated Risk. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7092. [PMID: 38063522 PMCID: PMC10706069 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20237092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Mindfulness-informed interventions (MIIs) are increasingly common but have not been extensively studied among families with elevated levels of risk (e.g., those involved in child protective services and/or receiving financial assistance). These families often experience high rates of stressors that can impact coping strategies, interpersonal dynamics, and relationships. Given that mindfulness has been shown to promote health and wellbeing, this study used a sample from two pilot randomized controlled trials to test the extent to which a mindfulness-informed intervention improved coping strategies and perceptions of children's behavior among 53 families with elevated risk. A principal components analysis with a direct oblimin rotation revealed that cognitive-emotion coping strategies could be characterized by three factors: positive adaptation, negative adaptation, and positive refocusing. Intention-to-treat analysis indicated significant group by time differences, with intervention participants demonstrating improvements in positive refocusing coping, positive adaptation coping, and perceptions of children's behavior problems compared to participants in the waitlist control group. No significant differences were found for negative adaptation coping strategies. Findings provide preliminary support for the benefits of mindfulness training in a sample generally underrepresented in the mindfulness intervention literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill T. Krause
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, 1570 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1570, USA
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13
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Fong VC, Shim J, Yoon A, Lee BS, Iarocci G. A preliminary exploration of different coping strategies used by Korean immigrant parents of autistic children in high versus low family quality of life ratings. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:1307-1319. [PMID: 36317392 PMCID: PMC10291356 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221133961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The experiences of coping in parents of autistic children have been extensively studied in the literature. While this research has identified both effective and ineffective coping strategies used by caregivers, no studies to date have examined how coping strategies used by parents might be linked to family quality of life outcomes. Furthermore, few studies exist examining both coping strategies and family quality of life in culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Thus, this study aimed to address both limitations. A total of 12 Korean immigrant parents of autistic children, 6 representing the high family quality of life group and 6 representing the low family quality of life group, shared their experiences related to coping and managing stress. Responses fell under three broad categories (problem-focused, emotion-focused, and adjustment-focused) with differences observed when comparing the high versus low family quality of life groups. A better understanding of the link between coping strategies and family quality of life outcomes may help identify effective and culturally sensitive supports for caregivers and families to improve their quality of life and well-being.
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14
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Chin WC, Chang HL, Chao KY. Exploring Coping Strategies of Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Taiwan: A Qualitative Study. J Nurs Res 2023; 31:e278. [PMID: 37097915 DOI: 10.1097/jnr.0000000000000553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience impairments in their social interactions, language communication, and stereotypical patterns of behavior. Parents of children with ASD experience higher levels of stress and more depression and anxiety than parents of children with other disabilities or typically developing children. Parents of children with disabilities develop coping strategies to counteract the stresses associated with raising a child with special needs. Understanding coping strategies to help counteract the stresses associated with parenting a child with ASD may enhance well-being in parents of children with ASD, improve the quality of care provided to these children, and foster better parent-child relationships. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to explore the coping strategies used by parents in Taiwan parenting a child with ASD. METHODS In this descriptive qualitative study, thematic analysis was conducted on data collected during face-to-face interviews. Fourteen parents of children with ASD were recruited using purposive sampling. Researchers employed a teamwork approach for data analysis to increase the dependability and consistency of the transcribed interviews. Team members discussed coding and identified the themes collaboratively. RESULTS Taiwanese parents of children with ASD coped with the psychological impacts of parenting by employing problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies. Problem-focused strategies included communication, support, and management, whereas emotion-focused strategies included acceptance and adaptation. Findings showed that both coping strategies were useful in addressing specific situations and circumstances. Social and clinical support improved parents' mental health and children's external behaviors. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE Healthcare providers should evaluate how parents are coping with the stresses related to raising a child with ASD and consider the cultural factors that might influence how they accept and adapt to parenting children with ASD. Understanding these variables may be used to tailor strategies appropriate to reducing stress and improving the well-being of parents and their children. Support and resource referrals should be considered, including parent support groups, books, web-based services, and recommendations for professional consultations with social workers or therapists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chih Chin
- MD, Attending Physician, and Assistant Professor, Department of Child Psychiatry and Sleep Center, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Ling Chang
- MD, Attending Physician, and Assistant Professor, Neo-psych Clinic, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Yu Chao
- PhD, RN, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, and Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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