Lewis, Frances F.M.LAl-Saadi, Maiyasa2024-04-262024-04-262024-04-262024AlSaadi_washington_0250E_26505.pdfhttp://hdl.handle.net/1773/51300Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Washington, 2024Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been one of the most significant public health challenges in the last fifty years (Elsabbagh et al., 2012). ASD is associated with comorbid medical and neurological conditions that affect the mental health status and Quality of Life (QOL) of those with the condition, as well as their families and caregivers (Yaacob et al., 2021). Several studies among parents of children afflicted with ASD reported higher levels of parenting stress compared to parents of other children with intellectual disabilities (ID) or typically developing (TD) children (Miranda et al., 2019). Also, Omani literature postulates that Omani parents of children with ASD endure a higher parental burden, clinically significant stress levels, anxiety, depression, and an increased public stigma compared to parents of TD children. However, relatively little is known about parental stress constructs in the Omani literature. Research Design: A cross-sectional design was used to test a predictive model of parental stress in mothers raising children diagnosed with ASD in the Sultanate of Oman. Aims: This study examined mental health, parental burden, and affiliate stigma as predictors of parenting stress. It also examined the mediating role of self-compassion and the moderating role of coping strategies and social support between these potential predictors and parenting stress. Results: Results showed that affiliate stigma and parental burden were significant predictors of parenting stress. Self-compassion partially moderated the relationship between mental health, parental burden, and parenting stress. Implications are discussed in light of supporting programs and interventions to help these mothers cope and ultimately improve the quality of life in families of children with ASD. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of addressing parental burden and stigma in supporting parents and promoting family well-being.application/pdfen-USnoneAutismparentingparenting stressNursingDisability studiesNursingThesis