DEPRESSION, BURNOUT AND MARITAL CONFLICT AMONG PARENTS OF AUTISTIC CHILDREN: BURNOUT AS PREDICTOR OF DEPRESSION AND MARITAL CONFLICT

Abstract

Parenting is commonly seen as a positive experience but simultaneously it can bring various challenges and risks for the parents. This study focused on the prevalence of depression, burnout and marital conflict and explores the role of parental burnout in the exacerbation of depression and marital conflicts among parents having autistic children. The study also identifies the differences in burnout, marital conflicts and depression level among mothers and fathers of autistic children. A sample of N=70 autistic children’s parents were approached from public and private autism centers located in Peshawar district. The sample responded on three self report inventories i.e., marital conflict scale, Beck depression inventory, and parental burnout assessment. Findings of the study confirmed that parents having autistic children experience mild to extreme level of depression, burnout and marital conflicts. Regression analyses showed that parental burnout serves as a significant predictor for depression and marital conflict. The study also revealed significant differences among parents where mothers score higher on each of the three variables i.e., burnout, depression and marital conflict. These findings suggested that early warning signs of parental depression and burnout should be monitored closely so that affected parents could get the prompt preventative and intervention measures.