Exploring the Relationship between Perceived Social Support, Perceived Stress, and Resilience among Caregivers of Children with Autism

Description

Page: 437-441

M. S. Sowmida, S. Novena, Simransukhmandeepika Hothi, and Varsha Singh (Department of Psychology, School of Allied Health Care and Sciences, Jain (Deemed to be) University Bangalore, Karnataka)

The study intended to examine the levels of perceived stress, perceived social support, and resilience among caregivers of autistic children. The sample consisted of 100 caregivers from various parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, and the children’s ages ranged from 1.5 to 9 years. The variables were assessed using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Zimet, Dahlem, Zimet, and Farley (1988) Autism Parenting Stress Index, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (2003). The results of the study indicated that perceived stress among caregivers was negatively associated with resilience. In other words, higher levels of perceived stress were allied with lower levels of resilience. However, the study did not find a significant effect of perceived social support on perceived stress among caregivers. Based on these findings, the study suggests that health professionals and organizations should take obligatory steps to improve the mental health of caregivers. Enhancing the well-being of the child and their families can be achieved by addressing the caregivers’ mental health needs.