FRUSTRATION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING AMONG PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Abstract

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) significantly affects not only the developmental trajectory of diagnosed children but also the psychological health of their caregivers. In particular, frustration and compromised psychological well-being are increasingly recognized as core challenges for parents of children with autism. However, these aspects remain underexplored in Pakistan, where limited awareness, social stigma, and resource scarcity may further burden families. Investigating the psychological impact on parents in this cultural context is essential for shaping effective support mechanisms.

Objective: To explore the relationship between frustration and psychological well-being among parents of children with autism in Pakistan, and to assess how sociodemographic factors may influence this association.

Methods: A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted involving 300 parents (215 mothers and 85 fathers) of children formally diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling from major cities including Lahore, Islamabad, Gujranwala, Multan, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. The Frustration Discomfort Scale and the Ryff Psychological Wellbeing Scale were used to assess frustration levels and psychological well-being, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, employing Pearson’s correlation and subgroup analyses based on gender and educational background.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 34.76 ± 5.91 years. A significant negative correlation was found between frustration and psychological well-being (r = -0.11, p < .01), indicating that higher frustration was associated with poorer psychological health. Subgroup analysis revealed that this association was more pronounced among mothers and parents with intermediate educational levels.

Conclusion: The study emphasizes the emotional burden experienced by parents of children with autism in Pakistan. It highlights the need for culturally sensitive psychological support and structured intervention programs targeting both emotional regulation and caregiver well-being.