Influence of Self-stigma on Stress, Depression and Anxiety, Psychological Well-being and Resilience in Parents of Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract Family members of those with a mental health disorder also suffer the consequences of social stigma and self-stigma, internalising social prejudices and stereotypes and suffering the effects of discrimination. In the case of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), given the high levels of dependency it generates, the levels of self-stigma among family members are particularly high and its consequences devastating. The aim of the present study was to analyse the relationships between self-stigma and depression, stress, anxiety, psychological well-being and resilience. The sample consisted of 328 parents of children diagnosed with ASD in the province of Almería and Murcia, aged between 27 and 58 years (M = 37.32; SD = 9.06). Participants completed the Spanish adaptation of the Self-Stigma in Relatives of people with Mental Illness, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress scale, the Psychological Well-being Scale and the Resilience questionnaire, whose responses were analysed using structural equation modelling. The results showed that self-stigma correlated positively with stress, anxiety and depression. On the other hand, these three variables were inversely related to psychological well-being. Finally, a positive correlation was found between psychological well-being and resilience. Therefore, the impact of self-stigma has been confirmed, highlighting the need to provide social support and resources as well as to raise awareness of these disorders.