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The Need for an Ecological Approach to Parental Stress in Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Combined Role of Individual and Environmental Factors

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Abstract

This study aimed to identify parental stress predictors in ASD by considering individual and environmental factors in an ecological approach. Participants were 115 parents of children with ASD aged from 3 to 10 years. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine the best predictors of parental stress among child-related, parent-related and environmental factors. Poor quality interactions within the extended family, high levels of expressed emotion and absence of children’s schooling were associated with higher stress, regardless of the child’s age and developmental quotient [F (3) = 37.051; p < 0.001; Adj. R2 = 0.457]. This study highlights the importance of considering environmental factors, specifically family variables, to understand parental stress. These key findings should be considered when designing support programs.

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Acknowledgments

This study received financial support from the Orange Foundation.

Author Contributions

C. Derguy conceptualized and designed the study, coordinated and conducted the participant recruitment, data collection and statistical analyses, and drafted the manuscript. K. M’Bailara provided expertise in the conceptualization of the study, coordinated the data collection, revised and reviewed the manuscript. G. Michel & M. Bouvard provided expertise in the conceptualization of the study and coordinated the data collection. S. Roux provided expertise in data management and statistical analyses. All authors approved the final manuscript as submitted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychology, Health and Quality of Life, EA 4139, University of Bordeaux, 3ter place de la Victoire, 33076, Bordeaux Cedex, France

    C. Derguy, K. M’Bailara, G. Michel & S. Roux

  2. Charles Perrens Hospital, Autism Expert Center, 121 rue de la Bechade, 33076, Bordeaux Cedex, France

    C. Derguy & M. Bouvard

  3. CNRS UMR 5287, Aquitaine Institute for Cognitive and Integrative Neuroscience (INCIA), University of Bordeaux, 146 rue Leo Saignat, 33076, Bordeaux Cedex, France

    M. Bouvard

  4. Charles Perrens Hospital, 121 rue de la Bechade, 33076, Bordeaux Cedex, France

    K. M’Bailara

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  1. C. Derguy
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Derguy, C., M’Bailara, K., Michel, G. et al. The Need for an Ecological Approach to Parental Stress in Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Combined Role of Individual and Environmental Factors. J Autism Dev Disord 46, 1895–1905 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2719-3

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