Title: Predictors of parenting stress among mothers raising children with ASD in the Sultanate of Oman: Mediating role of self-compassion

Abstract:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is associated with comorbid medical and neurological conditions that affect the mental health status and Quality of Life (QOL) of those with the conditions, as well as their families and caregivers (Yaacob et al., 2021). Several studies among parents of children afflicted with ASD reported higher levels of parenting stress compared to parents of other children with intellectual disabilities (ID) or typically developing (TD) children (Miranda et al., 2019). Also, Omani literature postulates that Omani parents of children with ASD endure a higher parental burden, clinically significant stress levels, anxiety, depression, and an increased public stigma compared to parents of Typically developing (TD) children. However, relatively little is known about parental stress constructs in the Omani literature. A cross-sectional design was used to test a predictive model of parental stress in mothers raising children diagnosed with ASD in the Sultanate of Oman. This study examined mental health, parental burden, and affiliate stigma as predictors of parenting stress. It also examined the mediating role of self-compassion and the moderating role of coping strategies, and social support between these potential predictors and parenting stress. Results showed that affiliate stigma and parental burden were significant predictors of parenting stress. Self-compassion partially moderated the relationship between mental health, parental burden, and parenting stress. Implications are discussed in light of supporting programs and interventions to help these mothers cope and ultimately improve the quality of life in families of children with ASD.

Biography:

Dr. Maiyasa AL-Saadi is a faculty member at Oman College for Health Science in Oman with more than twenty-three years of nursing experience both as a practicing and teaching nursing. As a graduate of the same institution, she enjoyed fulfilling her role by teaching various nursing specialties including her main area of expertise (maternal and child health) and leading various nursing modules. The spectrum of her leadership experiences ranges from leading various nursing modules, chairing committees, and organizing large events such as the first nursing alumni gathering in south Batinah, ending with resuming duties as deputy dean. She has a bachelor's degree from the US, a Master's degree from the UK, and finally a Ph.D. degree from the University of Washington, Seattle, US. Her main research interest is in family dynamics, parenting, parenting stress, coping, and education and her huge fond is in the area of autism and children with special needs. She has already assumed her role in raising public awareness about autism and enhancing the knowledge of families with children diagnosed with autism about parenting stress through the execution and planning of workshops in collaboration with various institutions in Oman.