Correlations of Physical and Psychological Health in Parents of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors

Norah L. Johnson, Marquette UniversityFollow
Abir Bekhet, Marquette UniversityFollow
Emily Zint, Marquette University
June Wang, Marquette University
Sylvia Pena, Marquette University
Amy V. Van Hecke, Marquette UniversityFollow
Mauricio Garnier-Villarreal, Vrije UniversiteitFollow
Alexander V. Ng, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-2024

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Source Publication

Western Journal of Nursing Research

Source ISSN

0193-9459

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1177/01939459241253221

Abstract

Background: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have social communication difficulties and restricted, repetitive, and/or sensory behaviors or interests. The prevalence of ASD is now 1 in 36 individuals. Parents of individuals with ASD face challenges that can affect their physical and psychological wellbeing.

Objective: With the long-term goal to tailor an exercise program, the purpose of this study was 2-fold: (1) establish the baseline physical and mental health of parents of individuals with ASD and (2) estimate the relationship of physiologic variables with psychological variables of health for parents of individuals with ASD.

Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study (N = 44) explored physical health measures and the correlation between physical and psychological health, using measures of anxiety, stress, parenting depression, and positive thinking for parents who care for individuals with ASD.

Results: The common characteristics that these parents shared was high body fat and low physical activity. Body fat was negatively correlated to total step count (r = -0.428, P < .05), grip strength (r = -0.319, P < .5), and total distance walked in the week (r = -0.661, P < .01), and positively correlated to 5-times sit to stand (r = 0.337, P < .05). Low activity correlated to increased parenting stress of advocating for child’s needs (r = -0.310, P = .043).

Conclusions: Understanding relationships between physical and psychological health informs effective interventions and support systems for parents. Parents need supports to be able to prioritize exercise. Future studies should include a larger sample to verify these effects.

Comments

Western Journal of Nursing Research, Vol. 46, No. 7 (July 2024): 532-540. DOI. © 2024 SAGE Publications. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Johnson, Norah L.; Bekhet, Abir; Zint, Emily; Wang, June; Pena, Sylvia; Van Hecke, Amy V.; Garnier-Villarreal, Mauricio; and Ng, Alexander V., "Correlations of Physical and Psychological Health in Parents of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder" (2024). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 1023.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/1023