Perceived social support and life satisfaction of Chinese parents of children with autism spectrum disorder: Loneliness as a mediator and moderator

• Published in: Research in autism spectrum disorders Vol. 87; p. 101829
• Main Authors: Lu, Minghui, Wang, Rong, Lin, Huan, Pang, Feifan, Chen, Xiaomeng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2021
• Subjects: Chinese parents of children with ASD; Emotional and behavioral problems; Life satisfaction; Loneliness; Perceived social support; Loneliness; Perceived social support; Chinese parents of children with ASD; Emotional and behavioral problems; Life satisfaction
• ISSN: 1750-9467; 1878-0237
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2021.101829

•This study highlights the importance of evaluating life satisfaction through an approach that considers both perceived social support and loneliness.•Perceived social support and loneliness had significant predictive effects on life satisfaction.•Loneliness both mediated and moderated the influence of perceived social support on life satisfaction.•These findings indicate that improving perceived social support and reducing loneliness may meaningfully improve life satisfaction and serve as the basis of an intervention strategy in parent-focused programs for Chinese parents of children with ASD. This study investigates the relationships and mechanism between perceived social support, loneliness, and life satisfaction among Chinese parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Cross-sectional data were collected from 306 parents of children with ASD, including fathers and mothers, in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, mainland China. A survey comprising the parent-rated Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale was administered. Perceived social support was significantly associated with loneliness and life satisfaction. Loneliness both mediated and moderated the relationship between perceived social support and life satisfaction. Theoretically, the findings highlight the role of loneliness in explaining the mechanism through which perceived social support is linked to life satisfaction. Practically, this study suggests that high levels of perceived social support and low levels of loneliness are socio-psychological resources that can be targeted to enhance the life satisfaction of Chinese parents of children with ASD.