Self-assessed Health in Caregivers of Persons with Autism: Associations with Depressive Symptoms, Positive Cognitions, Resourcefulness, and Well-Being

Authors

Abir K. Bekhet, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

8 p.

Publication Date

7-2014

Publisher

Wiley

Source Publication

Perspectives in Psychiatric Care

Source ISSN

1744-6163

Original Item ID

doi: 10.1111/ppc.12046

Abstract

Purpose

Caregiving for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can affect family caregivers' self-assessed health. The purpose of this study was to determine whether depressive symptoms, positive cognitions, resourcefulness, and well-being will differ significantly among those who rated their health as fair, good, or excellent.

Design and Methods

This study is a secondary analysis of 109 ASD caregivers who were recruited from the Interactive ASD Network.

Findings

Depression was significantly lower among those who rated their health as excellent than among those who rated their health as fair. Positive cognitions, resourcefulness, and well-being were significantly higher among those who rated their health as excellent than among those who rated their health as fair.

Practice Implications

Interventions to enhance caregivers' positive cognitions, resourcefulness, and well-being are recommended.

Comments

Accepted version. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, Vol. 50, No. 3 (July 2014): 210-217. DOI. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Bekhet, Abir K., "Self-assessed Health in Caregivers of Persons with Autism: Associations with Depressive Symptoms, Positive Cognitions, Resourcefulness, and Well-Being" (2014). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 293.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/293