The Well-Being of Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Role of Positive and Negative Emotions and Coping Styles

Introduction: The United Nations has officially recognized autism spectrum disorders as one of the most serious health problems in the world, next to cancer, diabetes and AIDS. In the light of constantly increasing epidemiological data, larger groups of parents are facing a particularly difficult situation. Numerous studies show that they experience high stress and their well-being is reduced. Research Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between coping styles, emotions and well-being, perceived both from a hedonistic (life satisfaction) and eudaimonistic (psychological well-being) perspective. 184 parents of children with autism spectrum disorders participated in the study. Research Method: Path analysis was used to examine the relationship between variables. The following measures were used: the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), the Positive and Negative Emotions Scale (SUPIN), The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and a short version of the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWB). Results: It was found that the psychological well-being of parents of children with autism is positively associated with a task-focused coping style and negatively with a focus on emotions. Positive emotions were positively associated with both life satisfaction and psychological well-being. A negative relationship between negative emotions and life satisfaction was also confirmed. Conclusion: The presented results may be helpful in supporting parents of children with autism. Appropriate support strategies can help them use more adaptive coping, increase positive emotions and well-being.