The Mediating Effects of Positive Cognitions on Autism Caregivers' Depression and Their Children's Challenging Behaviors

Authors

Abir K. Bekhet, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

2-2016

Publisher

Elsevier (WB Saunders)

Source Publication

Archives of Psychiatric Nursing

Source ISSN

0883-9417

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2015.11.001

Abstract

Caregivers of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are prone to depression and psychological problems, which have an impact on their children's challenging behaviors. Positive cognitions include specific positive thinking patterns that enhance one's ability to effectively manage daily activities and promote mental health. The purpose of this research is to test the mediating effects of positive cognitions on the relationship between caregivers' depression and their children's challenging behaviors among 117 caregivers of persons with ASD. Positive cognitions were found to have mediating effects on the relationship between caregiver's depression and their children's challenging behaviors in this sample of caregivers of persons with ASD. Nurses are in a strategic position to include in their interventions those strategies that strengthen positive cognitions in order to improve the caregivers' positive cognitions and well-being, which, in turn will have an impact on their children's challenging behaviors.

Comments

Accepted version. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, Vol. 30, No. 1 (February 2016): 13-18. DOI. © 2016 Elsevier (WB Saunders). Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Bekhet, Abir K., "The Mediating Effects of Positive Cognitions on Autism Caregivers' Depression and Their Children's Challenging Behaviors" (2016). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 410.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/410