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Systematic Review of the Relationship between Autism Stigma and Informal Caregiver Mental Health

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Systematic Review of the Relationship between Autism Stigma and Informal Caregiver Mental Health
Language: English
Authors: Papadopoulos, Chris (ORCID 0000-0003-0081-2431), Lodder, Annemarie, Constantinou, Georgina, Randhawa, Gurch
Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Apr 2019 49(4):1665-1685.
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 21
Publication Date: 2019
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Mental Health, Caregivers
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3835-z
ISSN: 0162-3257
Abstract: Families play a crucial role in determining the mental health of the autistic individual(s) they are caring for. However, the stigma associated with autism can impair caregiver health. To investigate this, empirical evidence pertaining to stigma's impact on informal caregivers' mental health was systematically reviewed. All twelve included studies (n = 1442 informal caregivers) consistently reported the impact of autism related stigma upon caregiver mental health to be significant, meaningful and complex. A new theoretical framework describing the relationship between stigma and caregiver mental health is constructed. Moderating variables include those both changeable through intervention (e.g. hopelessness, self-esteem, self-compassion) and not changeable (gender, culture, financial burden and time since diagnosis). Implications and recommendations for professionals, interventions and future research are proposed.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2019
Accession Number: EJ1212106
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:Families play a crucial role in determining the mental health of the autistic individual(s) they are caring for. However, the stigma associated with autism can impair caregiver health. To investigate this, empirical evidence pertaining to stigma's impact on informal caregivers' mental health was systematically reviewed. All twelve included studies (n = 1442 informal caregivers) consistently reported the impact of autism related stigma upon caregiver mental health to be significant, meaningful and complex. A new theoretical framework describing the relationship between stigma and caregiver mental health is constructed. Moderating variables include those both changeable through intervention (e.g. hopelessness, self-esteem, self-compassion) and not changeable (gender, culture, financial burden and time since diagnosis). Implications and recommendations for professionals, interventions and future research are proposed.
ISSN:0162-3257
DOI:10.1007/s10803-018-3835-z