The Association Between Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Psychological Distress in Their Parents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

J Autism Dev Disord. 2018 Oct;48(10):3393-3415. doi: 10.1007/s10803-018-3605-y.

Abstract

This review (Prospero Registration Number: CRD42017057915) aimed to systematically identify and summarize existing research on the relationship between additional emotional and behavioral problems (EBP) in children with autism, and parenting stress (PS) and mental health problems (MHP) in their parents. Sixty-seven studies met criteria for inclusion in the review, 61 of which were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled correlation coefficients were in the low to moderate range ([Formula: see text]). Some evidence for moderation by measurement characteristics was found. Narrative review of concurrent adjusted associations showed some evidence for shared relationships with other factors, most notably ASD severity and parent perception of own parenting. Longitudinal studies showed mixed evidence for bidirectional predictive relationships between child EBP and parent psychological distress variables.

Keywords: Additional psychopathology; Autism spectrum disorder; Emotional and behavioral problems; Mental health; Parenting stress; Psychological distress.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / diagnosis
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / psychology*
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / diagnosis
  • Child Behavior Disorders / psychology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Emotions*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Parenting / psychology
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Problem Behavior / psychology*
  • Stress, Psychological / diagnosis
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*
  • Young Adult