Maternal Stress, Psychological Well-Being, and Frustration Among Mothers of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

The objective of the study was to examine the relationship of maternal stress with psychological well-being and frustration among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), addressing the cultural context of Pakistan and providing useful implications for mothers. A cross-sectional correlational research design and snowball sampling technique were used to collect data. Three measures were utilized: the Parental Stress Scale, the Psychological Well-being Scale, and the Frustration Discomfort Scale. It was hypothesized that maternal stress would be significantly negatively related to psychological well-being and significantly positively related to frustration among mothers of children with ASD, and that maternal stress would significantly predict lower psychological well-being and higher frustration. Results revealed a significant negative relationship between maternal stress and psychological well-being, and a significant positive relationship between maternal stress and frustration. Regression analysis further indicated that maternal stress significantly and negatively predicted psychological well-being while significantly and positively predicting frustration. The study provides comprehensive implications for mothers of children with autism and encourages further research in this area.