Abstract:
Background: Parenting a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may lead to emotional distress. However, it has been recognized that it can also be accompanied with positive experiences that may conduce parents to posttraumatic growth (PTG). Few studies have investigated the factors that may be associated with growth. The present study aimed to assess the role of maternal perceptions, coping strategies and depressive symptoms to PTG. Method: In this cross-sectional study, 123 mothers of ASD offspring completed self-reported questionnaires to assess posttraumatic growth (PTGI); coping strategies (Βrief-COPE); perceptions about ASD (B-IPQ) and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9). Hierarchical regression analysis was used to assess their independent associations. Results: A significant proportion of mothers (56.1%) reported moderate to high growth levels (PTGI ≥ 63). Nearly half of the mothers (46.3%) reported clinically significant depressive symptoms. Engagement (b = 0.361), cognitive reframing (b = 0.214), personal control (b = 0.200) and depressive symptoms (b = -0.232) were independently and significantly associated with PTG. Conclusions: Mothers of children with ASD may experience moderate to high PTG. Engagement, cognitive reframing, personal control and depressive symptoms were significant predictors of growth level. Interventions aiming to support mothers to potentiate their personal control over ASD, to use adaptive coping strategies and to reduce distress may facilitate their growth.
摘要:
背景:养育患有自闭症谱系障碍(ASD)的孩子可能会导致情绪困扰。然而,人们已经认识到,它也可能伴随着积极的经历,这些经历可能有助于父母创伤后成长(PTG)。很少有研究调查可能与生长有关的因素。本研究旨在评估母亲观念的作用,PTG的应对策略和抑郁症状。方法:在这项横断面研究中,123名ASD后代的母亲完成了自我报告问卷,以评估创伤后成长(PTGI);应对策略(Brief-COPE);对ASD(B-IPQ)和抑郁症状(PHQ-9)的看法。分层回归分析用于评估它们的独立关联。结果:相当比例的母亲(56.1%)报告中等至高生长水平(PTGI≥63)。近一半的母亲(46.3%)报告了临床上明显的抑郁症状。参与(b=0.361),认知重构(b=0.214),个人控制(b=0.200)和抑郁症状(b=-0.232)与PTG独立且显著相关.结论:ASD儿童的母亲可能会经历中度至高度的PTG。订婚,认知重构,个人控制和抑郁症状是生长水平的显著预测因子。旨在支持母亲加强对ASD的个人控制的干预措施,使用适应性应对策略和减少痛苦可能会促进他们的成长。