Maternal Stress, Psychological Well-Being, and Frustration Among Mothers of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Amber  Awan; Zara Emanuel  Robert; Rameen  Shoaib; Syeda Malaika  Sohail; Hifsa  Shaheen; Zil-e-Huma  Saleem

doi:10.63056/ACAD.004.03.0815

Authors

Amber Awan MS Scholar of Clinical Psychology, Department of Applied Psychology, Riphah International University Islamabad, Pakistan Author
Zara Emanuel Robert BS Graduate, Department of Psychology, Capital University of Science & Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan Author
Rameen Shoaib MS Scholar of Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Capital University of Science & Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan Author
Syeda Malaika Sohail MS Scholar of Clinical Psychology, Department of Applied Psychology, Riphah International University Islamabad, Pakistan Author
Hifsa Shaheen MS Scholar of Clinical Psychology, Department of Applied Psychology, Riphah International University Islamabad, Pakistan Author
Zil-e-Huma Saleem MS Scholar of Clinical Psychology, Department of Applied Psychology, Riphah International University Islamabad, Pakistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63056/ACAD.004.03.0815

Keywords:

maternal stress, psychological well-being, frustration

Abstract

The objective of the study was to examine the relationship of maternal stress with psychological well-being and frustration among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), addressing the cultural context of Pakistan and providing useful implications for mothers. A cross-sectional correlational research design and snowball sampling technique were used to collect data. Three measures were utilized: the Parental Stress Scale, the Psychological Well-being Scale, and the Frustration Discomfort Scale. It was hypothesized that maternal stress would be significantly negatively related to psychological well-being and significantly positively related to frustration among mothers of children with ASD, and that maternal stress would significantly predict lower psychological well-being and higher frustration. Results revealed a significant negative relationship between maternal stress and psychological well-being, and a significant positive relationship between maternal stress and frustration. Regression analysis further indicated that maternal stress significantly and negatively predicted psychological well-being while significantly and positively predicting frustration. The study provides comprehensive implications for mothers of children with autism and encourages further research in this area.