THE WELL-BEING OF PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS. THE ROLE OF POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EMOTIONS AND COPING STYLES
THE WELL-BEING OF PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS. THE ROLE OF POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EMOTIONS AND COPING STYLES

Summary/Abstract: Introduction: The United Nations has officially recognized autism spectrum disorders as oneof the most serious health problems in the world, next to cancer, diabetes, and AIDS. In the lightof the constantly increasing number of people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, lar-ger groups of parents are facing a particularly difficult situation. Numerous studies have shownthat they experience high levels of stress and reduced well-being.Research Aim: The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between coping styles,emotions, and well-being, perceived from both a hedonistic (life satisfaction) and a eudaimoni-stic (psychological well-being) perspective. In total, 184 parents of children with autism spec-trum disorders participated in the study.Research Method: Path analysis was performed to examine the relationship between variables.The following measures were used: the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), thePositive and Negative Emotions Scale (SUPIN), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), anda short version of the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWB).Results: It was found that the psychological well-being of parents of children with autism isassociated positively with a task-focused coping style and negatively with a focus on emotions.Positive emotions were positively associated with both life satisfaction and psychological well--being. A negative relationship between negative emotions and life satisfaction was also con-firmed.Conclusion: The results presented may be helpful in supporting parents of children with au-tism. Appropriate support strategies can help them to use more adaptive coping and increasetheir positive emotions and well-being.

• Details
• Contents