Structured Pattern for Parental Stress Based on Self-Conscious Affect and Family Performance of Children With Autism

Developmental disorders consist of a broad spectrum of chronic and life-long disorders resulted from mental or physical deficits; therefore, they may affect daily experiences. The current study aimed at evaluating parental stress modeling based on self-conscious affect (shame and guilt) of parents and family performance. It was considered a correlational study based on structural equations modeling. Statistical population consisted with all mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders studied in the autistic schools in Tehran. In the current study, 250 mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders were selected by random convenience method, then they were evaluated by parental stress index-short form, test of self-conscious affect, and family performance questionnaire. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 24 and AMOS 23. Findings of the study suggested that 51% of parental stress was explained by self-conscious affect (shame and guilt) of parents as well as family performance. Also, indirect way of self-conscious affect (shame and guilt) of parents, with mediating family performance on parental stress, was supported given to maximum leveling and as general, this model was supported. The current study results showed that focusing on self-conscious affect (shame and guilt) of parents as well as family performance and also emphasizing on parental stress of parents with autistic child and coping strategies may have significant effects on decreasing the stress and vulnerability of this population.