Assessing the Impact of Coping Strategies and Resilience on Caregiver Burden in Parents of Children with Autism

Abstract

Objective: To examine the relationship between coping strategies, resilience, and caregiver burden in parents and caregivers of children with ASD. Study Design: Cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Dr. Soetomo General Hospital and Airlangga University Hospital in Indonesia from September 2024-January 2025. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved parents and caregivers of children with ASD at Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya. Validated self-report questionnaires assessed coping strategies, resilience, and caregiver burden. Results: Among 52 caregivers, 63.5% relied on emotion-focused coping, with avoidance as the most common strategy. Resilience scores ranged from 36 to 76, with higher scores indicating greater adaptability. Caregiver burden was high or very high in 40.2% of participants. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant relationship between coping strategy and caregiver burden (p < 0.05) and between resilience and caregiver burden (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Emotion-focused coping, particularly avoidance, is associated with higher caregiver burden, whereas higher resilience correlates with lower burden. Encouraging problem-focused coping strategies and resilience-building interventions may help reduce caregiver burden in parents and caregivers of children with ASD.