ERIC Number: EJ1096491
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-May
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3257
EISSN: N/A
The Longitudinal Effects of Network Characteristics on the Mental Health of Mothers of Children with ASD: The Mediating Role of Parent Cognitions
Benson, Paul R.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v46 n5 p1699-1715 May 2016
Employing a cohort sequential design, the effects of network characteristics on maternal cognitions (perceived social support and parenting self-efficacy) and mental health (depression and well-being) were assessed over 7 years when children with ASD of mothers in the study were age 7-14. Findings indicated that network size, network emotional support, and network instrumental support were positively related to perceived support, while network availability and emotional support were positively linked to self-efficacy. In addition, network support exerted direct and indirect effects on maternal depression and well-being, with cognitive resources mediating the social network-mental health relationship. Finally, consistent with the support-efficacy model, parenting efficacy partially mediated the effects of perceived support on maternal mental health outcomes. Study findings and implications are discussed.
Descriptors: Mental Health, Longitudinal Studies, Mothers, Social Networks, Self Efficacy, Child Rearing, Cohort Analysis, Social Support Groups, Depression (Psychology), Well Being, Network Analysis, Emotional Experience, Pervasive Developmental Disorders
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A