Effects of online social support on psychological stress among parents of children with autism spectrum disorders

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  • Yamane Takahiro
    Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University

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  • 自閉症スペクトラム障害児をもつ親におけるインターネット利用と心理的ストレスの関連
  • ジヘイショウ スペクトラム ショウガイジ オ モツ オヤ ニ オケル インターネット リヨウ ト シンリテキ ストレス ノ カンレン

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Abstract

<p>The Internet is an essential information resource for parents of children with disabilities regarding their children’s disabilities and support. However, research have pointed out that the abundance of information online and the possibility of consulting with anonymous others online might lead to fatigue and negative mood in parents. This study examined whether Internet use increased psychological stress response among parents of children with autism spectrum disorders （ASD）. An online questionnaire survey was conducted with 277 Japanese parents of children with ASD aged 2-18 years. The survey assessed anonymous consulting, information browsing, social support, autism traits, parenting stressors, and psychological stress. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that increased anonymous consulting was related to increased psychological stress responses among parents after controlling for demographic variables, autism traits, social support, and parenting stressors, which supported the study’s hypothesis. However, the results also indicated that information browsing was not related to psychological stress response, which was inconsistent with the study’s hypothesis. These results suggest that anonymous consulting might has a worsening effect on the psychological stress response. We have discussed the advantages and possible problems caused by Internet use and the limitations of this study. </p>

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