5 - (SYM 34) The Association Between Parenting Stress and Problem-solving Skills in Mothers of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Japan: The Roles of Child Problem Behaviors and Social Support

Objective Mothers of children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) experience higher psychological burden and parenting stress than mothers of typically developing children. Research has identified child problem behaviors and social support as key determinants of parenting stress. However, interventions should also address parents' cognitive-behavioral skills, particularly problem-solving. While improvements following problem-solving interventions have been reported, the independent contribution of mothers' problem-solving skills to parenting stress has not been adequately examined while controlling for child behaviors and social support. This study examined whether mothers' problem-solving skills predict parenting stress beyond these established factors.

Methods Participants were 149 Japanese mothers of children with NDDs (M_age =40.63, SD = 5.38) receiving services. Inclusion criteria: child diagnosed/suspected with ASD, ADHD, or SLD, aged 4-17, without other neurodevelopmental/physical disabilities. Child behaviors were assessed via Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Social support was measured using family and public support scales. Problem-solving skills were assessed via Problem Solving Inventory (PSI). Parenting stress was measured with Stress Response Scale-18 (SRS-18), adapted to parenting contexts. Hierarchical regression: Step 1-maternal age; Step 2-social support and child behaviors; Step 3-problem-solving skills.

Results Maternal age significantly predicted stress in Step 1 (β=−.29, p < .01). In Step 2, family support, public support, and child behaviors did not significantly predict stress. In Step 3, higher problem-solving skills significantly predicted lower stress (β= −.47,  p< .01); other variables were non-significant.

Discussion Mothers' problem-solving skills were independently associated with reduced parenting stress among mothers of children with NDDs, even after controlling for child behaviors and social support. Parenting stress may be influenced less by child behavioral difficulties and more by mothers' perceived coping ability. Interventions targeting problem-solving skills may enhance existing parent-focused programs and contribute to more effective stress reduction among mothers of children with NDDs.