Parenting Stress and Parental Self-Efficacy in Parents of Autistic and Non-Autistic Children: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Parenting stress has been highlighted as concerning among parents of autistic children. However, no comparative analysis has investigated the differences between these parents and parents of non-autistic children. The current study investigated parenting stress and the combined influence of parental self-efficacy and current behavioural difficulties among both groups. Parents (n = 155) completed a survey regarding their perceived stress, their perceived competence as parents, and their child’s emotional and behavioural challenges. Results indicated that parents of autistic children experienced significantly greater stress than parents of non-autistic children. Parental self-efficacy significantly predicted parenting stress and the child’s behavioural difficulties. In contrast, the child’s age was not a significant predictor of parenting stress. When parental self-efficacy was controlled for, the relationship between parenting stress and their child’s behavioural problems was no longer significant. No differences emerged between mothers and fathers in perceived stress. Overall, the findings highlight the crucial role of parental self-efficacy and provide important directions for future research.