Effect of Parental Stress on Dyadic Adjustment among Parents with Autistic Children, Moderating Role of Social Support

Abstract

Raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents its own set of unique challenges, which can have a significant effect on parental stress and dyadic adjustment. This study explores the relationship between parental stress, dyadic adjustment, and social support among parents with Autistic Children with moderating role of Social Support. A correlational research design was used, with data collected from 122 parents through purposive sampling technique. Results showed negative relationship between parental stress and dyadic adjustment, highlighting the stress experienced by parents of autistic children. Social support moderates and weakens this relationship, indicating that more social support can reduce the parental stress on dyadic adjustment. Highlighting the differences in gender of parents in providing care, mothers report more elevated levels of parental stress than fathers. The significance of individualized interventions and support networks for autistic child families is highlighted, as are the implications for clinical, educational, policy, and community life. Future investigation integrates researching additional elements influencing parental stress and dyadic adjustment and merging longitudinal assessments to assess long outcomes.