Exploratory Study on the Potential Moderating Effects of Protective and Risk Factors on the Negative Impact of Parental Stress on Family Quality of Life in Parents of Children With Autism (CLWA)

Chinese caregivers of autistic children report heightened parental stress, which in turn can negatively influence their family quality of life (FQoL). To better support the quality of life of Chinese caregivers of autistic children, the present study investigated the relationship between parental stress and FQoL and the moderating roles of protective and risk factors affecting the relationship. Chinese caregivers of autistic children aged 4 to 11 participated ( N = 110; 100 mothers; aged 28 to 69). They were administered standardized assessments regarding parental stress and FQoL. Potential protective and risk factors, including children's autistic and behavioural profiles, as well as caregivers' spouse support and resilience, were also assessed. Chinese caregivers have heightened parental stress, and their parental stress was negatively associated with their FQoL in most models, p s < 0.03. Our moderation analyses showed that only the interaction of perceived parental stress and ability to cope with stress was significant for a moderating effect ( B = 0.02 SE = 0.01, p < 0.04; R 2 = 0.28, p < 0.001), with perceived ability to cope with stress moderating the relationship between parental stress and FQoL. This finding indicated a negative correlation between parental stress and FQoL. Among many moderating factors, only the perceived stress coping ability mitigates the adverse effects of parental stress on FQoL, acting as a protective factor. Interventions on bolstering the level of perceived stress coping ability among Chinese caregivers of autistic children are crucial.