PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AND STRESS AMONG CAREGIVERS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A QUANTITATIVE STUDY IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Caregivers of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) individuals tend to have a high level of stress which negatively influences their psychological well-being. Objectives: This study was conducted to discover relationship of stress and psychological well-being in caregivers of autistic children in Pakistan. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with 300 caregivers regarding their demographic characteristics, stress levels, and psychological well-being. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlational analysis, independent sample t-tests, and ANOVA. Caregivers showed moderate to high levels of stress and its significant negative relationship with psychological well- being (r = -0.62, p < 0.01). Compared to their male and employed counterparts, female caregivers and unemployed individuals reported higher stress and lower well-being. Longer caregiving duration was also correlated with more stress and lower well-being. The results highlight an immediate call for the need of culturally competent mental health interventions and support programs for caregivers of people with ASD. Longitudinal changes in caregiver stress and well-being, and effectiveness of targeted interventions, should be evaluated in future research. Limitations include the cross-sectional design and dependence on self-reported measures. It provides insights into caregiver burden in a South Asian context, thus emphasizing the need for systemic support to promote caregiver well-being.