Occupational Balance and Life Satisfaction in Parents of Children With Autism

IF 1.8 4区医学 Q2 PEDIATRICS Child Care Health and Development Pub Date : 2025-02-08 DOI:10.1111/cch.70047

Gülşah Zengin Yazici, Kardelen Yildirim

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Abstract

Background

Having a child with disabilities can affect occupational balance, which is a known risk factor for health and well-being. The objective of this study was to examine the occupational balance and life satisfaction of parents of children with autism and neurotypical development in Turkey.

Methods

The cross-sectional study included 140 parents of children with autism and 140 parents of children with typical neurodevelopment. The occupational balance of parents was evaluated using the Turkish Occupational Balance Questionnaire-11 (OBQ11-T), while their life satisfaction was assessed using the Contentment with Life Scale (CLAS).

Results

A significant difference was observed between the groups with regard to the OBQ11-T total score and the scores of Items 4 and 9 (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant discrepancy was observed in the CLAS total scores between the two groups. A positive correlation was observed between the OBQ11-T and CLAS total scores of parents of children with autism (r = 0.875; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that occupational therapists should support parents of children with autism by addressing the balance between obligatory and discretionary activities, as well as the connections between work, home, family, leisure, rest and sleep. Assessing life satisfaction and its influencing factors is also essential. Therapists should implement tailored interventions to promote roles, routines and occupational participation, ultimately improving life satisfaction. These findings highlight the importance of targeted strategies to enhance occupational balance and well-being. Future research should explore causal mechanisms through longitudinal and interventional studies to deepen understanding and improve outcomes.

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来源期刊

Child Care Health and Development 医学-小儿科

CiteScore

3.40

自引率

5.30%

发文量

136

审稿时长

4-8 weeks

期刊介绍： Child: care, health and development is an international, peer-reviewed journal which publishes papers dealing with all aspects of the health and development of children and young people. We aim to attract quantitative and qualitative research papers relevant to people from all disciplines working in child health. We welcome studies which examine the effects of social and environmental factors on health and development as well as those dealing with clinical issues, the organization of services and health policy. We particularly encourage the submission of studies related to those who are disadvantaged by physical, developmental, emotional and social problems. The journal also aims to collate important research findings and to provide a forum for discussion of global child health issues.