Factors Associated with Stress Among Parents of Children with Autism.

OBJECTIVE To determine the factors associated with stress among parents of children with autism. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional field survey study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Department of Psychology, GC University, Lahore, from September 2012 to November 2013. METHODOLOGY The sample consisted of 100 parents (50 mothers and 50 fathers) of children with autism. Measures of childhood autism rating, sense of coherence, parenting self-efficacy, parenting stress, and demographic data sheet were completed by the parents in outdoor units of children hospital, institutes, and at their homes. RESULTS Significant correlations were found between severity of impairment and parenting stress (r = .53, p < .01), between parenting self-efficacy and parenting stress (r = -.35, p < .01, and between sense of coherence and parenting stress (r = -.26, p < .05). No significant gender difference emerged in terms of parenting self-efficacy, sense of coherence, and parenting stress. Results of stepwise regression partially supported our hypothesized model, as severity of child impairment, and parenting self-efficacy appeared as significant predictors of parenting stress (R(2) = .35). However, there was no evidence of role of demographic variables in the parenting stress. CONCLUSION The severity of child's impairment emerged as the most salient risk factor for parenting stress; however, it was concluded that parents' ability and confidence in their competence of parenting a child in challenging situations may reduce their stress.