Examining the Factors Influencing the Stress Levels in Families of Children with Autism

Abstract

This study examines the influence of coping strategies, social support systems and family resilience levels on the perceived stress levels of Turkish families of children with autism. The sample of this cross-sectional study consists of 213 mothers and 87 fathers of children diagnosed with autism. Perceived Stress Scale, Coping Styles Scale Short Form, Revised Parent Social Support Scale and Family Resilience Scale Turkish Forms were used. In the analysis of the data, the normal distribution was examined and used in multiple regression analysis techniques for predicting the dependent variable based on the independent variables to understand the relationship between dependent and independent variables. Regression analysis revealed that the number of children and diagnosis age of the child with autism positively affect the family stress level. All of these variables explained 14% of the total variance. One of the most important findings of this study is that the stress levels of mothers were found to be higher than fathers. Parents' age, education, income level, number in the birth order of child with autism, time of autism noticed, active and passive coping methods and family resiliency negatively affected family stress level. In addition, further study is needed to investigate psychosocial interventions that decrease stress levels and facilitate active coping strategies among families who have children with autism.