Predictors of Stress in Parents of Children Receiving Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Year: 2019
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience more stress than parents of children with other developmental disabilities (Blacher & McIntyre, 2006).Although there is a growing body of research identifying the predictors of stress in families of children with ASD, little is known about the role that treatment plays in these transactions.Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a common intervention that can be intrusive and increase the responsibilities of parents (Strauss et al., 2012).Despite the intensive nature of ABA, it is unknown how participation in this type of treatment impacts parental stress.The primary aim of this study was to examine the predictors of parental stress in families of children receiving ABA intervention for ASD.58 parents of children aged 2-12 completed a standard set of data including demographics, intervention information, and four assessments: Caregiver Strain Questionnaire, Aberrant Behavior Checklist, Family Support Survey, and Family Needs Survey.A primary regression model was conducted with parental stress as the outcome variable and demographic and assessment variables as the predictor variables.Additionally, a moderation analysis was conducted to examine the possible interaction between family support and unmet family needs.In order to examine the relationship between child comorbid psychiatric diagnoses and parental stress, a secondary regression analysis was conducted with parental stress as the iii outcome variable and the presence of various comorbid psychiatric diagnoses as the predictor variables.The primary regression model indicates parental stress is predicted by child utilization of psychotropic medication (p=0.027), the Hyperactivity/Noncompliance subscale score of the ABC (p=0.023), and the total score of the Family Needs Survey.No variables related to ABA intervention predict parental stress, and there is no evidence of moderation of unmet family needs on the relationship between family social support and parental stress.The secondary regression model indicates parental stress is predicted by the comorbid psychiatric diagnoses of anxiety disorder (p=0.037) and attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (p=0.015).Results suggest that utilization of psychotropic medication predicts less stress on average, while higher hyperactivity/noncompliance and unmet family needs predict more stress on average.Factors associated with ABA intervention such as hours per week and parental involvement do not predict stress.Additionally, parents of children diagnosed with comorbid ADHD experience more stress on average, while parents of children with comorbid anxiety experience less stress on average.These findings can help to inform clinicians providing intervention for children with ASD about possible sources of parental stress.They also indicate that higher involvement in ABA intervention does not contribute to an increase in parental stress.iv Dedication Dedicated to Baby Girl Held, the best possible inspiration for a mother-to-be.v Acknowledgments I would like to thank my advisor, Dr. Andrea Witwer, for her
Author: Cassell, Megan K
Institution: The Ohio State University
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7014501879