Predicting subjective well-being and stress response using sense-making and benefit-finding in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder in Japan

Abstract

Objective This study aims to predict subjective well-being and stress response using sense-making and benefit-finding in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods The sample consisted of 307 mothers of Japanese individuals with ASD, and who completed a questionnaire comprising of items related to the demographic profile, Sense Making Scale, Benefit Finding Scale in Developmental Disorder Parenting, Subjective Happiness Scale, and the abbreviated six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated, and hierarchical regression analysis was used to analyse the data. Results The benefit-finding score emerged as a significant predictor of subjective well-being and stress response. However, the sense-making score and the interaction of sense-making and benefit-finding did not predict subjective well-being and stress response significantly. Conclusion The findings provide further insights necessary to support the mothers of children afflicted with ASD who experience various difficulties daily.