Coping Mechanism among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review
Iranian Journal of Child Neurology,
Vol. 16 No. 1 (2022),
1 January 2022
,
Page 9-17
https://doi.org/10.22037/ijcn.v16i2.31518
Abstract
Abstract
This review presented the current literature on coping mechanisms among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), focusing on types of coping mechanisms among parents and different coping mechanisms between mothers and fathers of children with ASD.
A search of published literature in English was conducted using Google Scholar, PsycINFO, Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, EBSCO, Springer, Ovid, PubMed, and Cochrane Library up to February 2020. Overall, 18 articles were relevant to the review. The review included thirteen studies for types of coping mechanisms among parents of children with ASD and five studies for different coping mechanisms between mothers and fathers. Coping mechanisms demonstrated by parents when caring for their child include problem-focused and emotion-focused coping. A comparison between fathers and mothers in our review showed that mothers used emotion-focused coping more than fathers, while fathers used problem-focused coping more frequently than mothers.
The review provides an exciting opportunity to advance our knowledge on types of coping mechanisms and gender difference in using coping mechanisms among parents of children with ASD. The review also sheds new light on developing supportive interventions by healthcare providers to improve coping mechanisms among parents of children with ASD.
Keywords:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder, coping mechanism, coping strategies.
How to Cite
Al-Oran, H., Khuan , L. ., Poh Ying , L. . ., & Hassouneh , O. . (2022). Coping Mechanism among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review. Iranian Journal of Child Neurology, 16(1), 9–17. https://doi.org/10.22037/ijcn.v16i2.31518
References
[1] American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5®). American Psychiatric Pub. 2013.
[2] CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. 2016. www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/addm.html.
[3] Miranda A, Mira A, Berenguer C, Rosello B, & Baixauli I. Parenting stress in mothers of children with autism without intellectual disability. Mediation of behavioral problems and coping strategies. Fronts psychol.2019; 10: 464.
[4] Shepherd D, Landon J, Taylor S, & Goedeke S. Coping and care-related stress in parents of a child with autism spectrum disorder. Anxiety Stress Copin.2018; 31:277-90.
[5] Sim A, Cordier R, Vaz S, Netto J, Falkmer T. Factors associated with negative co-parenting experiences in families of a child with autism spectrum disorder. Dev Neurorehabil. 2017;20:83-91.
[6] Dabrowska A, Pisula E. Parenting stress and coping styles in mothers and fathers of pre‐school children with autism and Down syndrome. J Intell Disabil Res. 2010;54:266-80.
[7] Estes A, Olson E, Sullivan K, Greenson J, Winter J, Dawson G, et al. Parenting-related stress and psychological distress in mothers of toddlers with autism spectrum disorders. Brain Dev. 2013;35:133-8.
[8] Griffith GM, Hastings RP, Nash S, Hill C. Using matched groups to explore child behavior problems and maternal well-being in children with Down syndrome and autism. J Autism Dev Disord. 2010;40:610-9.
[9] Sinha D, Verma N, Hershe D. A Comparative Study of Parenting Styles, Parental Stress and Resilience among Parents of Children Having Autism Spectrum Disorder, Parents of Children Having Specific Learning Disorder and Parents of Children Not Diagnosed With Any Psychiatric Disorder. Ann Intern Med Den Res. 2016;2:106-1.
[10] Dardas LA. Stress, coping strategies, and quality of life among Jordanian parents of children with Autistic Disorder. Autism. 2014;4:2.
[11] Jones L, Totsika V, Hastings RP, Petalas MA. Gender differences when parenting children with autism spectrum disorders: A multilevel modeling approach. J Autism Dev Disord. 2013;43:2090-8.
[12] Samadi SA, McConkey R. The impact on Iranian mothers and fathers who have children with an autism spectrum disorder. J Intell Disabil Res. 2014;58:243-54.
[13] Soltanifar A, Akbarzadeh F, Moharreri F, Soltanifar A, Ebrahimi A, Mokhber N, et al. Comparison of parental stress among mothers and fathers of children with autistic spectrum disorder in Iran. Iran J Nur Mid Res. 2015;20:93.
[14] Tehee E, Honan R, Hevey D. Factors contributing to stress in parents of individuals with autistic spectrum disorders. J Appl Res Intellect. 2009;22:34-42.
[15] Dardas LA, Ahmad MM. Psychosocial correlates of parenting a child with autistic disorder. J Nur Res. 2014;22:183-91.
[16] Derguy C, M’Bailara K, Michel G, Roux S, Bouvard M. The need for an ecological approach to parental stress in autism spectrum disorders: The combined role of individual and environmental factors. J Autism Dev Disord. 2016;46:1895-905.
[17] Duarte CS, Bordin IA, Yazigi L, Mooney J. Factors associated with stress in mothers of children with autism. Autism. 2005;9:416-27.
[18] Koegel RL, Schreibman L, Loos LM, Dirlich-Wilhelm H, Dunlap G, Robbins FR, et al. Consistent stress profiles in mothers of children with autism. J Autism Dev Disord. 1992;22:205-16.
[19] Fleischmann A. Narratives published on the Internet by parents of children with autism: What do they reveal and why is it important?. Focus Autism Dev Dis. 2004;19:35-43.
[20] Hastings RP, Johnson E. Stress in UK families conducting intensive home-based behavioral intervention for their young child with autism. J Autism Dev Disord. 2001;31:327-36.
[21] Phetrasuwan S, Shandor Miles M. Parenting stress in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders. J Spec Pediatr Nurs. 2009;14:157-65.
[22] Wang J, Hu Y, Wang Y, Qin X, Xia W, Sun C, et al. Parenting stress in Chinese mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders. Soc Psych Psych Epid. 2013;48:575-82.
[23] Siu QK, Yi H, Chan RC, Chio FH, Cha DF, & Mak WW. The role of child problem behaviors in autism spectrum symptoms and parenting stress: A primary school-based study. J Autism Dev Disord.2019; 49:857-70.
[24] Kasperzack D, Schrott B, Mingebach T, Becker K, Burghardt R, & Kamp-Becker I. Effectiveness of the Stepping Stones Triple P group parenting program in reducing comorbid behavioral problems in children with autism. Autism.2020; 24: 423-36.
[25] Kakkar J, & Srivastava P. Challenges and Coping among Parents having Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Psycho Res.2017;12.
[26] Sim A, Cordier R, Vaz S, Netto J, & Falkmer T. Factors associated with negative co-parenting experiences in families of a child with autism spectrum disorder. Dev Neuro.2017; 20:83-91.
[27] Rivard M, Terroux, A, Parent-Boursier C, & Mercier C. (2014). Determinants of stress in parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. J Autism Dev Disord.2014; 44:1609-20.
[28] Dardas LA, Ahmad MM. Coping strategies as mediators and moderators between stress and quality of life among parents of children with autistic disorder. Stress Health. 2015;31:5-12.
[29] Lazarus RS, & Folkman S. Stress, appraisal, and coping. New York: Springer. 1984.
[30] Lyons AM, Leon SC, Phelps CE & Dunleavy AM. (2010). The impact of child symptom severity on stress among parents of children with ASD: The moderating role of coping styles. J Child Fam Stud.2010; 19: 516-24.
[31] Brown M, Whiting J, Kahumoku‐Fessler E, Witting AB, & Jensen J. A Dyadic Model of Stress, Coping, and Marital Satisfaction among Parents of Children with Autism. Fam Relat.2020; 69:138-50.
[32] Siah PC, Tan SH. Relationships between sense of coherence, coping strategies and quality of life of parents of children with autism in Malaysia: a case study among chinese parents. Disabil, CBR & Incl Deve. 2016;27:78-91.
[33] Lai WW, Goh TJ, Oei TP, Sung M. Coping and well-being in parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). J Autism Dev Disord. 2015;45:2582-93.
[34] Zablotsky B, Bradshaw CP, Stuart EA. The association between mental health, stress, and coping supports in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders. J Autism Dev Disord. 2013;43:1380-93.
[35] Sivberg B. Family system and coping behaviors: A comparison between parents of children with autistic spectrum disorders and parents with non-autistic children. Autism. 2002;6:397-09.
[36] Twoy R, Connolly PM, Novak JM. Coping strategies used by parents of children with autism. J Am Academy Nurs Pract. 2007;19(5):251-60.
[37] Benson PR. Coping, distress, and well-being in mothers of children with autism. Res Autism Spect Dis. 2010;4:217-28.
[38] Smith LE, Seltzer MM, Tager-Flusberg H, Greenberg JS, Carter AS. A comparative analysis of well-being and coping among mothers of toddlers and mothers of adolescents with ASD. J Autism Dev Disord. 2008;38:876.
[39] Kiami SR, Goodgold S. Support Needs and Coping Strategies as Predictors of Stress Level among Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res Treat. 2017;2017:8685950.
[40] Pepperell TA, Paynter J, Gilmore L. Social support and coping strategies of parents raising a child with autism spectrum disorder. Early Child Dev Care. 2018;188:1392-04.
[41] Gray DE. Coping over time: The parents of children with autism. J Intell Disabil Res. 2006;50:970-6.
[42] Lin CR, Tsai YF, Chang HL. Coping mechanisms of parents of children recently diagnosed with autism in Taiwan: a qualitative study. J Clin Nurs. 2008;17:2733-40.
[43] Luong J, Yoder MK, Canham D. Southeast Asian parents raising a child with autism: A qualitative investigation of coping styles. J Sch Nurs. 2009 Jun;25:222-9.
[44] Gona JK, Newton CR, Rimba KK, Mapenzi R, Kihara M, Vijver FV, et al. Challenges and coping strategies of parents of children with autism on the Kenyan coast. Rur Rem Hea. 2016;16:3517.
[45] Wang P, Michaels CA, Day MS. Stresses and coping strategies of Chinese families with children with autism and other developmental disabilities. J Autism Dev Disord. 2011;41:783-95.
[46] Hastings RP, Kovshoff H, Ward NJ, Degli Espinosa F, Brown T, Remington B. Systems analysis of stress and positive perceptions in mothers and fathers of pre-school children with autism. J Autism Dev Disord. 2005 ;35:635.
[47] Lee GK. Parents of children with high functioning autism: How well do they cope and adjust?. J Dev Phys Disabil. 2009;21:93-14.
[48] Willis K, Timmons L, Pruitt M, Schneider HL, Alessandri M, Ekas NV. The relationship between optimism, coping, and depressive symptoms in Hispanic mothers and fathers of children with autism spectrum disorder. J Autism Dev Disord. 2016;46:2427- 40.
[49] Luque Salas B, Yáñez Rodríguez V, Tabernero Urbieta C, Cuadrado E. The role of coping strategies and self-efficacy as predictors of life satisfaction in a sample of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Psicothema. 2017;29:55-60.
[2] CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. 2016. www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/addm.html.
[3] Miranda A, Mira A, Berenguer C, Rosello B, & Baixauli I. Parenting stress in mothers of children with autism without intellectual disability. Mediation of behavioral problems and coping strategies. Fronts psychol.2019; 10: 464.
[4] Shepherd D, Landon J, Taylor S, & Goedeke S. Coping and care-related stress in parents of a child with autism spectrum disorder. Anxiety Stress Copin.2018; 31:277-90.
[5] Sim A, Cordier R, Vaz S, Netto J, Falkmer T. Factors associated with negative co-parenting experiences in families of a child with autism spectrum disorder. Dev Neurorehabil. 2017;20:83-91.
[6] Dabrowska A, Pisula E. Parenting stress and coping styles in mothers and fathers of pre‐school children with autism and Down syndrome. J Intell Disabil Res. 2010;54:266-80.
[7] Estes A, Olson E, Sullivan K, Greenson J, Winter J, Dawson G, et al. Parenting-related stress and psychological distress in mothers of toddlers with autism spectrum disorders. Brain Dev. 2013;35:133-8.
[8] Griffith GM, Hastings RP, Nash S, Hill C. Using matched groups to explore child behavior problems and maternal well-being in children with Down syndrome and autism. J Autism Dev Disord. 2010;40:610-9.
[9] Sinha D, Verma N, Hershe D. A Comparative Study of Parenting Styles, Parental Stress and Resilience among Parents of Children Having Autism Spectrum Disorder, Parents of Children Having Specific Learning Disorder and Parents of Children Not Diagnosed With Any Psychiatric Disorder. Ann Intern Med Den Res. 2016;2:106-1.
[10] Dardas LA. Stress, coping strategies, and quality of life among Jordanian parents of children with Autistic Disorder. Autism. 2014;4:2.
[11] Jones L, Totsika V, Hastings RP, Petalas MA. Gender differences when parenting children with autism spectrum disorders: A multilevel modeling approach. J Autism Dev Disord. 2013;43:2090-8.
[12] Samadi SA, McConkey R. The impact on Iranian mothers and fathers who have children with an autism spectrum disorder. J Intell Disabil Res. 2014;58:243-54.
[13] Soltanifar A, Akbarzadeh F, Moharreri F, Soltanifar A, Ebrahimi A, Mokhber N, et al. Comparison of parental stress among mothers and fathers of children with autistic spectrum disorder in Iran. Iran J Nur Mid Res. 2015;20:93.
[14] Tehee E, Honan R, Hevey D. Factors contributing to stress in parents of individuals with autistic spectrum disorders. J Appl Res Intellect. 2009;22:34-42.
[15] Dardas LA, Ahmad MM. Psychosocial correlates of parenting a child with autistic disorder. J Nur Res. 2014;22:183-91.
[16] Derguy C, M’Bailara K, Michel G, Roux S, Bouvard M. The need for an ecological approach to parental stress in autism spectrum disorders: The combined role of individual and environmental factors. J Autism Dev Disord. 2016;46:1895-905.
[17] Duarte CS, Bordin IA, Yazigi L, Mooney J. Factors associated with stress in mothers of children with autism. Autism. 2005;9:416-27.
[18] Koegel RL, Schreibman L, Loos LM, Dirlich-Wilhelm H, Dunlap G, Robbins FR, et al. Consistent stress profiles in mothers of children with autism. J Autism Dev Disord. 1992;22:205-16.
[19] Fleischmann A. Narratives published on the Internet by parents of children with autism: What do they reveal and why is it important?. Focus Autism Dev Dis. 2004;19:35-43.
[20] Hastings RP, Johnson E. Stress in UK families conducting intensive home-based behavioral intervention for their young child with autism. J Autism Dev Disord. 2001;31:327-36.
[21] Phetrasuwan S, Shandor Miles M. Parenting stress in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders. J Spec Pediatr Nurs. 2009;14:157-65.
[22] Wang J, Hu Y, Wang Y, Qin X, Xia W, Sun C, et al. Parenting stress in Chinese mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders. Soc Psych Psych Epid. 2013;48:575-82.
[23] Siu QK, Yi H, Chan RC, Chio FH, Cha DF, & Mak WW. The role of child problem behaviors in autism spectrum symptoms and parenting stress: A primary school-based study. J Autism Dev Disord.2019; 49:857-70.
[24] Kasperzack D, Schrott B, Mingebach T, Becker K, Burghardt R, & Kamp-Becker I. Effectiveness of the Stepping Stones Triple P group parenting program in reducing comorbid behavioral problems in children with autism. Autism.2020; 24: 423-36.
[25] Kakkar J, & Srivastava P. Challenges and Coping among Parents having Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Psycho Res.2017;12.
[26] Sim A, Cordier R, Vaz S, Netto J, & Falkmer T. Factors associated with negative co-parenting experiences in families of a child with autism spectrum disorder. Dev Neuro.2017; 20:83-91.
[27] Rivard M, Terroux, A, Parent-Boursier C, & Mercier C. (2014). Determinants of stress in parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. J Autism Dev Disord.2014; 44:1609-20.
[28] Dardas LA, Ahmad MM. Coping strategies as mediators and moderators between stress and quality of life among parents of children with autistic disorder. Stress Health. 2015;31:5-12.
[29] Lazarus RS, & Folkman S. Stress, appraisal, and coping. New York: Springer. 1984.
[30] Lyons AM, Leon SC, Phelps CE & Dunleavy AM. (2010). The impact of child symptom severity on stress among parents of children with ASD: The moderating role of coping styles. J Child Fam Stud.2010; 19: 516-24.
[31] Brown M, Whiting J, Kahumoku‐Fessler E, Witting AB, & Jensen J. A Dyadic Model of Stress, Coping, and Marital Satisfaction among Parents of Children with Autism. Fam Relat.2020; 69:138-50.
[32] Siah PC, Tan SH. Relationships between sense of coherence, coping strategies and quality of life of parents of children with autism in Malaysia: a case study among chinese parents. Disabil, CBR & Incl Deve. 2016;27:78-91.
[33] Lai WW, Goh TJ, Oei TP, Sung M. Coping and well-being in parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). J Autism Dev Disord. 2015;45:2582-93.
[34] Zablotsky B, Bradshaw CP, Stuart EA. The association between mental health, stress, and coping supports in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders. J Autism Dev Disord. 2013;43:1380-93.
[35] Sivberg B. Family system and coping behaviors: A comparison between parents of children with autistic spectrum disorders and parents with non-autistic children. Autism. 2002;6:397-09.
[36] Twoy R, Connolly PM, Novak JM. Coping strategies used by parents of children with autism. J Am Academy Nurs Pract. 2007;19(5):251-60.
[37] Benson PR. Coping, distress, and well-being in mothers of children with autism. Res Autism Spect Dis. 2010;4:217-28.
[38] Smith LE, Seltzer MM, Tager-Flusberg H, Greenberg JS, Carter AS. A comparative analysis of well-being and coping among mothers of toddlers and mothers of adolescents with ASD. J Autism Dev Disord. 2008;38:876.
[39] Kiami SR, Goodgold S. Support Needs and Coping Strategies as Predictors of Stress Level among Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res Treat. 2017;2017:8685950.
[40] Pepperell TA, Paynter J, Gilmore L. Social support and coping strategies of parents raising a child with autism spectrum disorder. Early Child Dev Care. 2018;188:1392-04.
[41] Gray DE. Coping over time: The parents of children with autism. J Intell Disabil Res. 2006;50:970-6.
[42] Lin CR, Tsai YF, Chang HL. Coping mechanisms of parents of children recently diagnosed with autism in Taiwan: a qualitative study. J Clin Nurs. 2008;17:2733-40.
[43] Luong J, Yoder MK, Canham D. Southeast Asian parents raising a child with autism: A qualitative investigation of coping styles. J Sch Nurs. 2009 Jun;25:222-9.
[44] Gona JK, Newton CR, Rimba KK, Mapenzi R, Kihara M, Vijver FV, et al. Challenges and coping strategies of parents of children with autism on the Kenyan coast. Rur Rem Hea. 2016;16:3517.
[45] Wang P, Michaels CA, Day MS. Stresses and coping strategies of Chinese families with children with autism and other developmental disabilities. J Autism Dev Disord. 2011;41:783-95.
[46] Hastings RP, Kovshoff H, Ward NJ, Degli Espinosa F, Brown T, Remington B. Systems analysis of stress and positive perceptions in mothers and fathers of pre-school children with autism. J Autism Dev Disord. 2005 ;35:635.
[47] Lee GK. Parents of children with high functioning autism: How well do they cope and adjust?. J Dev Phys Disabil. 2009;21:93-14.
[48] Willis K, Timmons L, Pruitt M, Schneider HL, Alessandri M, Ekas NV. The relationship between optimism, coping, and depressive symptoms in Hispanic mothers and fathers of children with autism spectrum disorder. J Autism Dev Disord. 2016;46:2427- 40.
[49] Luque Salas B, Yáñez Rodríguez V, Tabernero Urbieta C, Cuadrado E. The role of coping strategies and self-efficacy as predictors of life satisfaction in a sample of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Psicothema. 2017;29:55-60.
- Abstract Viewed: 2049 times