Work

Interplay between Tradition and Modernity: Stress and Coping Experiences among Parents of Children with Autism in Beijing, China

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: In traditional Chinese culture, specific beliefs and values can influence parents' experiences of stress and coping while raising children with autism. However, as China undergoes rapid social changes amid globalization, are these cultural influences still significant for today's parents of young children with autism? This study delves into this question through 12 in-depth interviews with parents of children with autism in Beijing. Content analysis indicated that while influences from traditional culture remain, modern parents often diverge from them. They adopt Western views on autism to mitigate stigma, establish boundaries with grandparents to ensure effective early interventions, address imbalanced professional dynamics, adjust authoritarian parenting styles, and broaden their social networks. A mix of traditional and contemporary parenting characterizes their experiences. The discussion elaborates on the findings, emphasizing the importance of family support.

Source: Behavioral Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/bs13100814

Authors: Xiaoran Wang, Fuhua Zhai, Yixuan Wang

Institutions: Beijing University of Technology, Fordham University, China Youth University for Political Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Family and Disability Support Research

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,002