Protective Factors on the Impact of Parental Stress on Distress in Parents of Autistic Children

Given the higher demands on parenting and the limited resources available, parents of autistic children experience high levels of parental stress. Chinese parents of autistic children experience elevated levels of parental stress. Prolonged and severe stress may lead to distress, which adversely affects their mental well-being. In this cross-sectional study, 112 Chinese primary caregivers of autistic children were invited to complete online questionnaires, including the Parental Stress Index, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, the Experiences in Close Relationship Scale, and the Child–Parent Relationship Scale. Nine separate bootstrap moderation analyses were conducted. Parental stress significantly and positively predicted distress (ps < 0.001). The effect of parental stress on distress was moderated by the non-acceptance of emotional responses (B = −0.202, SE = 0.089, p = 0.026) and attachment anxiety (B = −0.176, SE = 0.081, p = 0.032). To conclude, there was a significant association between parental stress and distress. High acceptance of emotional responses and low attachment anxiety moderated the relationship, exerting protective effects.