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- Title
Wellbeing does not predict change in parenting behaviours among mothers of young children at elevated likelihood of autism.
- Authors
Madarevic, Melinda; Van Leeuwen, Karla; Warreyn, Petra; van Esch, Lotte; Moerman, Floor; Segers, Julie; Masselink, Maurits; Roeyers, Herbert; Amelynck, Steffie; de Vries, Lyssa M.; Erdogan, Maide; Steyaert, Jean; Van Lierde, Thijs; Noens, Ilse
- Abstract
Previous research has generally found lower wellbeing levels among parents of autistic children that were related to fewer positive and more negative parenting behaviours. However, these relationships have not yet been studied before a formal autism diagnosis is given. The present study investigates wellbeing (including positive mood, vitality, and general interest) and its relationships with a range of parenting behaviours among two groups of mothers with children at elevated likelihood (EL) of autism: mothers of younger siblings of children on the autism spectrum ('siblings'; n = 81) and very or extremely prematurely born children ('preterms'; n = 40). Growth curves were modelled to investigate whether wellbeing and EL group were associated with (change in) reported parenting behaviours between 10 and 24 months of child's age. As expected, we found more stability than change in parenting behaviours, and more similarities than group differences in parenting behaviours and wellbeing. Mothers generally reported more disciplinary behaviours when their child grew older, in line with general population findings. Initial levels of supportive behaviours were equally high among mothers of siblings and preterms, but only mothers of preterms reported an increase over time. Wellbeing levels were largely comparable to those of a matched subsample from the general population, contradicting previous findings. Contrary to our hypotheses, wellbeing was not associated with fewer positive or more negative parenting behaviours. This is encouraging, as all children benefit from supportive and responsive behaviours. Highlights: Among mothers of children at elevated likelihood of autism, most parenting behaviours did not change during the second year of life. Both mothers of siblings and preterms reported an increase in disciplinary behaviours. Additionally, mothers of preterms reported an increase in warm and supportive behaviours. No group differences were found in initial parenting behaviours and wellbeing or in change over time, except for warmth/support. Wellbeing was comparable to a matched general population subsample and not associated with any of the parenting behaviours.
- Subjects
BELGIUM; AUTISM in children; DATA analysis; RESEARCH funding; PARENTING; LONGITUDINAL method; RESEARCH methodology; INTRACLASS correlation; STATISTICS; RESEARCH; PARENTS of children with disabilities; MOTHER-child relationship; DATA analysis software; PSYCHOSOCIAL factors; CHILD behavior; WELL-being
- Publication
Journal of Child & Family Studies, 2024, Vol 33, Issue 5, p1393
- ISSN
1062-1024
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s10826-024-02826-x