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Gender differences when parenting children with autism spectrum disorders: a multilevel modeling approach
Leah Jones1, Vasiliki Totsika, Richard P Hastings
1School of Psychology, Bangor University, Adeilad Brigantia, Ffordd Penrallt, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2AS, Wales, UK. leah.jones@bangor.ac.uk
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|January 12, 2013
Summary
Mothers of children with autism report higher distress than fathers. Child behavior problems impact both parents
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Family Studies
- Autism Research
Background:
- Parenting a child with autism presents unique challenges that may affect mothers and fathers differently.
- Previous research often overlooks the interconnectedness of parental well-being within families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender differences in parental well-being among couples parenting a child with autism.
- To examine the influence of child functioning on maternal and paternal psychological distress.
Main Methods:
- Utilized multilevel linear modeling to analyze data from 161 couples parenting a child with autism.
- Collected self-reported data on parental well-being and child functioning from both mothers and fathers.
Main Results:
- Mothers reported significantly higher levels of psychological distress compared to fathers.
- Child behavior problems were identified as a predictor of psychological distress for both mothers and fathers.
- Little evidence was found for child functioning variables differentially impacting mothers versus fathers.
Conclusions:
- Gender differences in the impact of parenting a child with autism are substantial and warrant further investigation.
- Findings highlight the need for family systems research to understand these gender dynamics and inform support strategies.
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