Distinct Parental Stress Architectures: A Network Comparison of Posttraumatic and Work-Related Stress in Mothers and...

Parents of children newly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience substantial posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), which may interact with work-related stress differently in mothers and fathers. Understanding these parent-specific patterns is crucial, as they influence family functioning, caregiving and child development. This study used a network approach to compare the structure and bridging pathways linking PTSS and work-related stress in mothers versus fathers of children newly diagnosed with ASD in Saudi Arabia. In a cross-sectional dyadic design, 150 mother-father dyads (150 families; N = 300 parents: 150 mothers and 150 fathers) of children clinically diagnosed with ASD by qualified specialists (child psychiatrists, developmental paediatricians, neurologists or clinical psychologists) within the past 12 months completed an online survey (April 2024-September 2025). PTSS were assessed using the 22-item Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R; diagnosis-related index event), and work-related stress was measured using an eight-item scale. Symptom networks were estimated separately for mothers and fathers, and bridge indices were calculated to identify nodes linking the PTSS and work-stress communities. Network structures were then compared using the Network Comparison Test (NCT). The overall network structure differed between mothers and fathers (p = 0.003), while global connectivity did not (p = .116). No specific edge or centrality differences remained significant after multiple-comparison correction. Descriptively, bridging differed by parent group: In mothers, sleep difficulty and avoidance of talking about the event were the most prominent PTSS bridge nodes, alongside work-stress nodes reflecting underutilization of skills and work-family interference. In fathers, low influence/control over work tasks and avoidance of talking about the event were the most prominent bridge nodes, with additional bridging contributions from work-family interference and insufficient appreciation/rewards. PTSS and work-related stress formed distinct but interconnected communities in both mothers and fathers, with different bridge pathways linking domains. Interventions may benefit from targeting the domain 'interfaces' that differ by parent role (e.g., sleep-related PTSS in mothers and perceived work control in fathers), alongside work-family spillover in both groups.