Applying self-determination theory to understand maternal well-being in autism caregiving: a mini review

Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often undergo psychological distress, care burden, and poor well-being, but current research has mostly focused on stress and deficit-based models instead of strengths-based mechanisms that facilitate well-being and resilience. Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the conceptual framework of understanding well-being because of saturation of autonomy, competence, and relatedness needs, provides a valuable conceptualization of maternal adjustment and mental wellness in caregiving situations. This mini review is a synthesis of current findings on empirical and theoretical literature on how these fundamental psychological needs are either upheld or inhibited in autism caregiving, with the focus on autonomy in decision-making, self-efficacy in caregiving, and social connectedness. It has been indicated that higher need satisfaction is always linked to better psychological health, less distress and higher caregiving confidence, whereas systemic challenges, stigma, and weak support sabotage these mechanisms. Nonetheless, very few studies formally use SDT; most of them are based on cross-sectional designs, and culturally varied populations are not well represented. Incorporating SDT into the study and intervention formulation of caregivers can help lead to empowering, need-enhancing services that encourage maternal health and child outcomes.