Are child autism symptoms, developmental level and adaptive function associated with caregiver feelings of wellbeing and efficacy in the parenting role?. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Taylor, Lauren J.; Luk, Sze Y.L.; Leadbitter, Kathy; Moore, Heather L.; Charman, Tony
• Is Part Of: Research in autism spectrum disorders. Volume 83(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: Parent -- Mental wellbeing -- Self-efficacy -- Child functioning -- Autism symptoms; Autism spectrum disorders -- Periodicals; 616.85882005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2021.101738
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1750-9467

Abstract

Highlights: Many parents of children with autism experience low mental wellbeing. Low parental mental wellbeing could be related to low self-efficacy in the parenting role. We investigated associations between child development and functioning, parental self-efficacy and mental wellbeing. The findings may indicate that parental self-efficacy is an important intervention outcome. Abstract: Background: Many parents of children with autism have low levels of mental wellbeing, which may be related to low self-efficacy in the parenting role. Few studies have investigated the impact that child characteristics such as autism symptoms, development and functioning have on parental wellbeing and self-efficacy. In this study, we investigated associations between parental mental wellbeing, self-efficacy and child measures of behaviour and function, for families participating in the Paediatric Autism Communication Trial-Generalised (PACT-G). Method: Parents of children with autism (N = 248, aged 2–11 years) completed self-report measures of mental wellbeing and self-efficacy. We used a range of parent-report and researcher administered assessments of autism symptoms, child development, emotional and behavioural difficulties, language and adaptive skills. Nonparametric tests (Spearman's correlations) and multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the associations between child characteristics and parent wellbeing and parental self-efficacy. Results: Parent mental wellbeing and self-efficacy were highly related. Results of bivariate analyses showed significant negative associations between parent-reported child autism symptoms and parental self-efficacy. Higher child adaptive behaviour was also associated with better parental-self-efficacy. However, in a multivariate regression model, only high parent reported autism symptoms were associated with lower parental self-efficacy. Parent wellbeing was not related to any feature of the child's profile. Conclusion: These findings indicate that parent-reported autism symptoms are associated with parental self-efficacy, and that self-efficacy may be an important secondary outcome of interventions for children with autism.