Psychological distress and well-being of Latina and non-Latina white mothers of youth and adults with an autism spectrum disorder: Cultural attitudes towards coresidence status.

Abstract

This article examined the emotional well-being of 108 Latina and non-Latina White mothers who were coresiding with a youth or adult with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It was hypothesized that Latina mothers would be more satisfied with coresidence than non-Latina White mothers, and that satisfaction with coresidence would mediate the relationship between ethnicity and outcomes. When controlling for demographic characteristics, non-Latina White mothers were more distressed and had lower levels of psychological well-being than Latina mothers. As hypothesized, satisfaction with coresidence mediated this difference. Qualitative analysis revealed that both groups of mothers valued family cohesion as a positive aspect of coresidence. However, Latina mothers were less likely to report negative aspects of coresidence than non-Latina White mothers.

Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life Among Primary Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…The impact of caring for a child with autism on the mental health of caregivers has been well documented (Abbeduto et al 2004;Magana and Smith 2006;Smith et al 2008). Given the mental health impact of caregiving on mothers, it was not surprising to see female caregivers of children with autism in our study to have lower mental HRQOL than US norms.…”

“…Several studies have documented the occurrence of negative outcomes such as stress, anxiety, and depression among caregivers of children with autism (Abbeduto et al 2004;Bouma and Schweitzer 1990;Davis and Carter 2008;Kasari and Sigman 1997;Magana and Smith 2006;Smith et al 2008). In their study of well-being among mothers of toddlers and adolescents with autism, Smith et al (2008) found that more than one-third of mothers had scores on a depression scale higher than the clinical cut-off.…”

Autisme et soutien social dans des familles d’immigration récente : l’expérience de parents originaires du Maghreb

“…Twoy et al (2007) soulignent une plus grande capacité de recadrage chez les parents asio-américains que chez les parents euro-américains, avec un plus grand recours au soutien spirituel chez les parents d'origine asiatique. Comparant la détresse psychologique de parents d'origines hispanique et euro-américaine, Magana et al (2006) montrent que le groupe hispanique présente une détresse psychologique moins importante, associée à une plus grande satisfaction des parents dans la cohabitation avec leur enfant autiste. Ces études indiquent que la différence culturelle ne peut être considérée seulement comme un facteur de risque, et qu'il est nécessaire d'examiner pour chaque groupe immigrant ou minoritaire quels sont les facteurs spécifiques de fragilité ou de résilience.…”

Teacher efficacy, teacher burnout, and attitudes toward students with autism.

“…The Hispanic (Latino) population continues to be the most common culture entering the U.S. Magana and Smith (2006) found that Latina mothers co-residing with their child with disabilities had lower levels of education, were in poorer health, and had more depressive symptoms. According to McHatton and Correa (2005), single Latina mothers lacked language proficiency which affected the women's ability to respond to situations in a more assertive manner.…”

“…Studies have shown that the maladaptive behaviors of students with autism are more pronounced compared to other developmental disabilities (Dahle & Gargiulo, 2004;Magana & Smith, 2006;Smith, 2004;Winter-Messiers, 2007). Parents of children with autism are more likely to have poorer quality relationships than parents of children with other developmental disabilities (Magana & Smith).…”