Relative Contribution of Anxiety, Depression and Difficulties in Emotional Regulation in Forecasting Emotional Sensitivity of Autistic Children’s Mothers

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the relative contribution of anxiety, depression, and difficulties in emotional regulation (DER) on emotional sensitivity (ES) among mothers of autistic children. Methods: Ninety-one mothers (Mean age= 36.4 years, SD = 6.95) participated in this study. GAD-7, HDRS-17, and emotional sensitivity scales were applied in this study. DER was measured with difficulties of emotion regulation scale. Results: Findings indicated that mothers of autistic children exhibit high anxiety, depression, DER, and ES levels. These findings provide evidence of a unique association between ES and anxiety and depression. Findings highlighted that ES is directly related to anxiety and depression, while DER had no influence on ES among these mothers. Conclusions: The findings advance our understanding of how ES is influenced by the most prevalent emotional problems (anxiety and depression) among mothers of autistic children. The results were clear about the unique role of depression and anxiety in predicting the risk for ES. These findings highlight the importance of screening for anxiety and depression in autistic children’s mothers to avoid elevated levels of ES and potentially to protect the mother’s psychological well-being.