Stress, coping and quality of life in families raising children with autism

The current study focused specifically on the relationships among stress, the use of three coping strategies, and quality of life. The hypothesized model for the study was theoretically and empirically derived from previous research. One hundred-thirty seven participants completed questionnaires. Structural equation modeling was conducted on the 89 participants with sufficient data, which assessed stress levels associated with parent and child related characteristics, use of coping strategies (problem solving, seeking social support, and avoidance), and perceived quality of life. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted on the parent child dyads N=73 and on females only N=58. No differences were found in the type of stressor (parent verses child related) on the demographics including marital status, income level, or employment status relative to previous studies. Males tended to report the seeking of social support coping strategy more than females. Although the proposed model was not supported, relationships were found between coping strategies and quality of life. Stress and quality of life were negatively related. Seeking social support coping strategy was negatively correlated to quality of life. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted on the parent child dyads N=73 and females only N=58. The relationship between stress (IV) and quality of life (DV) was established. The seeking social support coping strategy was significant for parent and child related stress. No mediation effect was found for any of the coping strategies in either the N=73 or N=58. The findings revealed the overall model was significant with stress predicting quality of life. Coping strategies did not add to the prediction of the model. Potential moderating effects were not found for the current model.