Yongshen Feng1, Xuezhen Zhou2, Xiuqun Qin3, Guiyi Cai4, Yeqing Lin5, Yongli Pang6, Biyuan Chen7, Tao Deng1, Lifeng Zhang8. 1. School of Nursing, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China. 2. Nursing department, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China. 3. Pediatric Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China. 4. Pediatric Department, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China. 5. Research Management Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China. Electronic address: linyq77@mail2.sysu.edu.cn. 6. Nursing Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China. 7. Pediatric Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou. Electronic address: Chenbiy2@mail.sysu.edu.cn. 8. School of Nursing, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China. Electronic address: zhlfeng@mail.sysu.edu.cn.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study explored the related factors of FQOL in parents of children with ASD and examined whether social support mediates the relationship between parental self-efficacy and FQOL in parents of children with ASD. DESIGN AND METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, a total of 260 parents of children with ASD were recruited from September 2019 to November 2020. They completed the Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale, the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale, and the Social Support Rating Scale. RESULTS: Parental self-efficacy and social support explained approximately 49.5% of the variance in FQOL. After controlling for the confounding influence of parents' education level, parental self-efficacy had a direct effect on FQOL (β = 0.292, SE = 0.108, P < 0.01) and an indirect effect on FQOL (β = 0.165, SE = 0.069, P < 0.01). Effects were mediated through social support, with partial mediating effects accounting for 36.11% of the total effect. CONCLUSIONS: Both parental self-efficacy and social support are critical to promoting FQOL, and a partial mediating effect of social support was established. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Interventions for families with children with ASD should focus on enhancing parental self-efficacy, followed by a perceived social support and FQOL prompt.
OBJECTIVE: This study explored the related factors of FQOL in parents of children with ASD and examined whether social support mediates the relationship between parental self-efficacy and FQOL in parents of children with ASD. DESIGN AND METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, a total of 260 parents of children with ASD were recruited from September 2019 to November 2020. They completed the Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale, the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale, and the Social Support Rating Scale. RESULTS: Parental self-efficacy and social support explained approximately 49.5% of the variance in FQOL. After controlling for the confounding influence of parents' education level, parental self-efficacy had a direct effect on FQOL (β = 0.292, SE = 0.108, P < 0.01) and an indirect effect on FQOL (β = 0.165, SE = 0.069, P < 0.01). Effects were mediated through social support, with partial mediating effects accounting for 36.11% of the total effect. CONCLUSIONS: Both parental self-efficacy and social support are critical to promoting FQOL, and a partial mediating effect of social support was established. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Interventions for families with children with ASD should focus on enhancing parental self-efficacy, followed by a perceived social support and FQOL prompt.