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The Route of Stress in Parents of Young Children with and without Autism: A Path-Analysis Study

Author

Listed:
  • Elisa Leonardi

    (Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy)

  • Antonio Cerasa

    (Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy
    S. Anna Institute and Research in Advanced Neurorehabilitation (RAN), 88900 Crotone, Italy
    Pharmacotechnology Documentation and Transfer Unit, Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata, Italy)

  • Rocco Servidio

    (Department of Cultures, Education and Society, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata, Italy)

  • Angela Costabile

    (Department of Cultures, Education and Society, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata, Italy)

  • Francesca Isabella Famà

    (Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy)

  • Cristina Carrozza

    (Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy)

  • Letteria Spadaro

    (Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy)

  • Renato Scifo

    (Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Child Psychiatry Unit, Provincial Health Service of Catania (ASP CT), 95124 Catania, Italy)

  • Sabrina Baieli

    (Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Child Psychiatry Unit, Provincial Health Service of Catania (ASP CT), 95124 Catania, Italy)

  • Stefania Aiello

    (Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy)

  • Flavia Marino

    (Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy)

  • Gennaro Tartarisco

    (Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy)

  • David Vagni

    (Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy)

  • Giovanni Pioggia

    (Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy)

  • Liliana Ruta

    (Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy)

Abstract

We provide a conceptual model on the complex interaction between stress, psychological predisposition, and personality traits, accounting for gender, in parents of children with and without autism. We performed a path analysis using a structural equation modeling approach in a sample of parents including 60 ASD and 53 TD couples. In parents of typically developing children (TD), depression level and age are the main direct predictors of stress through the mediating effect of anxiety. Otherwise, in the ASD parent group, the personality trait ‘openness’ directly predicts the defensive response and stress levels without the mediating effect of anxiety. Our data suggest a route of action in promoting new behavioral strategies to prevent parenting stress, making families run smoothly.

Suggested Citation

  • Elisa Leonardi & Antonio Cerasa & Rocco Servidio & Angela Costabile & Francesca Isabella Famà & Cristina Carrozza & Letteria Spadaro & Renato Scifo & Sabrina Baieli & Stefania Aiello & Flavia Marino &, 2021. "The Route of Stress in Parents of Young Children with and without Autism: A Path-Analysis Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-13, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:20:p:10887-:d:658043
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