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Exploring the Moderating Role of Benefit Finding on the Relationship Between Child Problematic Behaviours and Psychological Distress in Caregivers of Children with ASD

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Abstract

Caregivers of children with ASD often find benefits associated with their caregiving role, and benefit finding predicts lower distress. Child problematic behaviours (CPB), which positively predict caregivers’ distress, are perceived to be being less problematic, or more manageable, by caregivers who find benefits. Benefit finding therefore might mitigate the negative psychological impact of CPB. A sample of n = 158 caregivers of children with ASD completed an online survey assessing benefit finding, CPB, and psychological distress. CPB positively, and benefit finding negatively, predicted caregivers’ distress. Moderation effects however were not observed. Findings implicate increased CPB and lower benefit finding as risk factors for caregivers’ psychological distress. Findings provide clearly definable targets for intervention.

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  1. Brian Lovell and Mark A. Wetherell approved submission of the manuscript.

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  1. Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Northumberland Building, Northumberland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK

    Brian Lovell & Mark A. Wetherell

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  1. Brian Lovell
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BL and MAW ceonceptualised the study, collected and analysed data, and penned the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Brian Lovell.

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Lovell, B., Wetherell, M.A. Exploring the Moderating Role of Benefit Finding on the Relationship Between Child Problematic Behaviours and Psychological Distress in Caregivers of Children with ASD. J Autism Dev Disord 50, 617–624 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04300-w

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