Parenting Experience and Family Dynamics Among Parents of Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the associations between family dynamics and parenting experiences among parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).

Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using convenience sampling among 341 parents of children with NDDs recruited from special education institutions and public healthcare facilities. Data were collected via an online questionnaire comprising the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form, Parenting Sense of Competence Scale, Parental Bonding Instrument, Family Adaptation Partnership Growth Affection Resolve Questionnaire, and Family Closeness and Adaptability Scale. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and hierarchical multiple regression were performed to examine interrelationships among variables. Multicollinearity was assessed using variance inflation factors.

Result: A total of 341 parents participated, reporting on children primarily diagnosed with developmental delay (DD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disabilities (ID). Correlation analyses revealed significant negative relationships between parenting stress and parenting style (r = -0.626, p < 0.01), family functioning (r = -0.831, p < 0.01), and family setting (r = -0.792, p < 0.01). Hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that parenting style (β = -0.159 to -0.157, p < 0.001), family functioning (β = -0.746, p < 0.001), and family setting (β = - 0.733, p < 0.001) were significant negative predictors of parenting stress. A suppression effect was observed for parenting efficacy, which emerged as a significant positive predictor (β = 0.097 to 0.182, p < 0.01) only after accounting for family-level variables. VIF values remained below 2.5 across all models, confirming the absence of multicollinearity.

Conclusion: Family functioning and family environment were associated with lower levels of parenting stress among parents of children with NDDs. The suppression effect observed for parenting efficacy suggests that its association with parenting stress may be influenced by the broader family context. Longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify the temporal and directional relationships among these factors.