The mediating effect of parental self-efficacy on parental depressive symptoms and Singaporean children with ASD's subsequent internalising and externalising behavioural problems: a secondary analysis study

Abstract

Parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) have been found to experience higher levels of depression which have been associated with greater children’s emotional and behavioural problems. Current literature have identified parental depression and self-efficacy as crucial factors contributing to children with ASD’s behavioural problems, with parental depression negatively correlated with parental self-efficacy (PSE). However, the protective role of PSE against children’s behavioural problems, particularly in an Asian context, has not been conclusively determined by research yet. The current study examines the mediating effect of PSE on the relationship between parental depressive symptoms and Singaporean children with ASD’s subsequent internalising and externalising (I-E) behavioural problems. Data from a sample of 123 school-aged Singaporean children and their parents and educators were obtained from a 3-year longitudinal study assessing the Transition and Adjustment of Children with Special Educational Needs (Tran-SEN). Mediational analyses revealed that PSE did not mediate the effect of parental depressive symptoms on children with ASD’s subsequent I-E behavioural problems. To further advance this field of research, a multidimensional model is suggested to comprehensively understand the bidirectional relationship between parental factors and Singaporean children with ASD’s I-E problems and the specific interrelations between parental factors that can reduce children with ASD’s I-E problems. Further research is also required to examine if parental factors play a larger role in children with ASD’s I-E behavioural problems or if the converse is true, particularly in an Asian context. Limitations and recommendations for future studies are discussed further in the report.