Parenting Stress, Coping and Well-Being Among Chinese Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

PURPOSE: Research on coping and parental well-being among Asian parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) remains limited. This study examined parenting stress, coping strategies, and psychological well-being among Chinese parents in Hong Kong raising children with ASD, compared to parents of typically developing (TD) children. METHODS: A total of 92 Chinese parents in Hong Kong participated in the survey, including 42 parents of children with ASD. Standardized measures were used to assess parenting stress, coping, and psychological well-being. RESULTS: Findings revealed that Chinese parents of children with ASD experienced significantly higher levels of parenting stress, anxiety and depression compared to parents of TD children. They reported using a broad range of coping strategies, including problem-focused, emotion-focused and dysfunctional coping. Subgroup analyses based on educational attainment and household income revealed that elevated parenting stress was consistent across all education levels. Notably, parents at both the highest and lowest ends of each category of education and income reported poorer psychological well-being. Differences in coping strategies between ASD and TD groups were generally not significant, except among parents with mid-range levels of household income and education. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the urgent need to address parenting stress and psychological well-being among Chinese parents in Hong Kong raising children with ASD, irrespective of socioeconomic background. By situating the study within the Hong Kong cultural context, the research underscores the importance of culturally specific support interventions tailored to the diverse challenges faced by families and extends the broader literature.