Predictors of parenting stress and childbearing motivations in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder: A cross-sectional study from Turkey

Abstract

Aim: The study aimed to identify the predictors of parenting stress and childbearing motivations among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with 165 mothers of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in Turkey from November 2021 to January 2022. Data were collected using Questionnaire-Form, Parenting-Stress Index-Short Form, and Childbearing Motivations Scale. Multiple linear regression analyses examined the relationship between parenting stress and childbearing motivations, and the independent variables. The study followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology reporting guidelines. Results: The parenting-stress score was higher, while positive childbearing-motivation score was lower than the mean scores of the scales among the mothers. The mother's age, education status, sibling rank of the child with autism spectrum disorder, and the effect of autism spectrum disorder on the decision to have another child were among the predictors of the parenting-stress levels up to 20.1%. The mother’s educational and income status, sibling rank of the child with autism spectrum disorder, and the desire to have another child were predictors of the level of positive childbearing motivations up to 18.7%. A positive moderate relationship was found between parenting-stress and negative childbearing-motivations. Conclusion: Mothers tend to engage in negative childbearing-motivation regarding having another child. Improving socioeconomical status and decreasing parenting-stress might help mothers adopt positive childbearing-motivation and prevent negative childbearing-motivation.