The Links Between Parents' Self-Stigma, Parental Burnout, Parental Competence, and Socio-Emotional Adjustment Among Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

PurposeThe experience of parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often entails unique psychological challenges. Although research on parental stress and adjustment has expanded considerably, the mechanisms through which parents' self-stigma (PSS) influences parental burnout, perceived competence, and socio-emotional adjustment remain insufficiently theorized. The aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal links among PSS, parental burnout, parental competence, and socio-emotional adjustment among parents of children with ASD.MethodsThe study employed a cross-lagged panel design with two waves of longitudinal research conducted at six-month intervals. The sample consisted of 182 parents (54.9% female) with a mean age of 40.59 years (Standard deviation = 7.12). Correlational analyses were conducted to examine associations among PSS, parental burnout, parental competence, and socio-emotional adjustment variables, while mediation analyses were performed using structural equation modelling.ResultsThe results indicated that higher levels of PSS significantly increased parental burnout, which in turn reduced parental competence. Lower parental competence was subsequently associated with poorer socio-emotional adjustment.ConclusionThese results provide important insights for mental health professionals and intervention programs, highlighting the need to address self-stigma and burnout to foster parental competence and socio-emotional well-being in families of children with ASD.