Psychological Distress in Parents of Autistic Children in Baghdad City

Abstract

Objectives: The study aims to: (1) assess psychological distress in parents of autistic children, (2) identify the
relationship between psychological distress and parents' socio-demographic characteristics such as (age, marital
status, relationship with child, educational level and monthly income) and (3) identify the relationship between
parent's distress and some of children' socio-demographic characteristics such as (gender, age, birth order and
mean number of children).
Methodology: A descriptive–analytical study that was carried out from December 12th, 2011 to May 1st, 2012.
on a purposive (non- probability) sample of 120 parents (father and mother) who have children with autism and
send their children to the delayed care centers in Baghdad. Data were collected through the use of the
constructed questionnaire and the process of the self-administrative report. The questionnaire was consisted of
three parts: parents' socio-demographic characteristics, autistic children' socio-demographic, and parenting stress
scale. Content validity of the instrument was determined through the use of panel experts and the internal
consistency of the instrument was determined through the pilot study and the computation of Alpha Correlation
Coefficient (r = 0.83). Data were analyzed through the application of descriptive and inferential statistical
approaches by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 16.0.
Results: The findings revealed that most of sample were mothers in normal marital status who fall in the age
group 26-35 years old graduated from institute or college and living in nuclear families with barely sufficient
monthly income. Most of the children were firstborn male fall in the age group of 3-7 years and most of families
have 1-3 children/family. Parents of autistic children are experiencing moderate level of parenting distress. There
is strong negative relationship between parents' ages with family type and there is moderate relationship among
other variables. There is positive relationship between parenting stress, child's gender and birth order and there is
no relationship with other variables.
Recommendations: The study recommended providing adequate knowledge for parents about how to deal with
their child through sessions and brochure; focusing on coping strategies for parents with autistic child should be
taken in consideration by media to decrease distress and further studies should be conducted as survey to include
all over the country.