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Self-Compassion in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Mediation Study

Constantakes, Arianna K
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xupsy1629806178154282

Abstract Details

2021, Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Xavier University, Psychology.
Self-compassion, a trait related to how one conceptualizes pain and failure, is associated with psychological wellbeing. The relationship between self-compassion and psychological wellbeing is also apparent among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a population that experiences significantly more stress and mental health concerns than parents of children without a developmental disability and the general population. Previous literature has found that child behavior problems over and above ASD severity are associated with more parent stress and psychopathology. This study examined the relationships between self-compassion, psychological well-being, and child behavior problems, as well as the possible mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between child behavior problems and parent psychological functioning. Sixty-five parents of children with ASD completed a survey measuring parent stress, anxiety, depression, and self-compassion as well as child behavior problems and ASD severity. Pearson correlations indicated that contrary to previous literature, parent anxiety and depression were not significantly correlated with child behavior problems. Furthermore, parent self-compassion was not related to parent stress. Therefore, testing mediation models was not fully supported. Hierarchical linear regression was utilized to test mediation models for each of the parent outcomes despite lack of foundational evidence. Self-compassion nor any of its components were found to significantly mediate the relationship between child behavior problems and parent outcomes. This study highlights the need for further research to fully understand the experiences of parents of children of ASD and how to support these families.
Stacey Raj (Advisor)
Heather Johnson (Committee Member)
Jen Gibson (Committee Member)
72 p.
Psychology
self-compassion; autism; ASD; parents; behavior; mediation; parent stress

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Constantakes, A. K. (2021). Self-Compassion in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Mediation Study [Doctoral dissertation, Xavier University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xupsy1629806178154282

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Constantakes, Arianna. Self-Compassion in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Mediation Study. 2021. Xavier University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xupsy1629806178154282.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Constantakes, Arianna. "Self-Compassion in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Mediation Study." Doctoral dissertation, Xavier University, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xupsy1629806178154282

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

xupsy1629806178154282
211
© 2021, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Xavier University Psychology and OhioLINK.