Parental efficacy and well-being among Chinese parents of children with autism spectrum disorder: Mediated by social support and moderated by children's externalizing problem behaviors

Abstract

This study examined the association between parental efficacy and well-being among Chinese parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), exploring the potential mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relationship. Participants included 386 parents (72% mothers; 26.94 ± 2.30 years) with ASD in the study. Data were collected using the parenting sense of competence scale, the oxford happiness questionnaire, the perceived social support scale, and the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (parent edition). Analyses revealed significant positive correlations between parental efficacy, social support, and well-being, whereas children's externalizing problem behaviors exhibited a negative association with well-being. Mediation analysis indicated that social support partially explained the positive prediction of parental efficacy on well-being. Children's externalizing problem behaviors moderated the relationship between social support and well-being. This study delineates the psychological mechanisms connecting parental self-efficacy to well-being in ASD caregivers, providing a theoretical foundation for interventions to enhance family adaptation and quality of life.