Examining the Relationship Between Caregiver Stress, Motivation, and Behavior Problems in Children with ASD and Social-Communication Delays

Presenter: Abigail J. Wallace

Faculty Sponsor: Alice Sara Carter

School: UMass Boston

Research Area: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences

Session: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM, Auditorium, A69

ABSTRACT

Many families within the United States benefit from early intervention treatments focused on improving symptoms related to various cognitive or intellectual disabilities and other developmental delays.  Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnoses are becoming more prevalent, creating a significant need for awareness and early intervention services.  This study is part of a larger multi-site study focused on establishing effective research-based interventions to support children and caregivers.  Using a quantitative methods approach to examine predictors of caregiver motivation, this study focuses on families of children presenting with the clinical symptoms of ASD or social-communication delays.  The aim is to explore potential influences on caregiver motivation with a primary focus on caregiver stress, supported by research and theory.  The primary framework emphasizes the reciprocal caregiver-child relationship, encouraging support for both sides of the dyad and overall family well-being.  231 families completed surveys used for this analysis out of the 243 participants in the more extensive 9-month-long study.  Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression.  Findings do not support the original hypothesis that caregiver stress, moderated by child behavior problems, influences caregiver motivation to seek intervention.  However, exploratory analysis revealed a significant relationship between caregiver stress and child behavior problems, supporting existing literature (Estes et al., 2009).  These findings provide further evidence for the reciprocal nature of the caregiver-child relationship..  Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying the caregiver-child relationship and to explore other potential influences on caregiver stress and motivation. 

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