Affiliate Stigma Among Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of Coping Strategies and Perceived Social Support

Abstract

Caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may experience stigma due to ASD-related symptoms. However, factors such as coping strategies and perceived social support might impact the affiliate stigma they experience. To date, no research has explored the association between ASD symptom severity and affiliate stigma, considering the role of coping strategies and perceived social support in different cultural contexts. This study aimed to test a hypothesized model in which coping strategies and perceived social support mediate the association between children’s ASD symptom severity and caregivers’ affiliate stigma. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 392 caregivers of children with ASD in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using structured interviews with eligible caregivers at a developmental and behavioral disorder clinic, five daycare centers, and three schools. The hypothesized model was tested using structural equation modeling. The study found that caregivers of children with ASD reported experiencing affiliate stigma. Additionally, as the severity of children’s ASD symptoms increased, caregivers’ perceptions of affiliate stigma also increased. However, both maladaptive coping strategies and perceived social support mediated this relationship. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing the psychosocial needs of caregivers of children with ASD, particularly by decreasing the use of maladaptive coping strategies and providing social support to minimize their experience of affiliate stigma.