Affiliate Stigma and Social Support as Correlates of Quality of Life of Parents Raising Children with Autism

Abstract

There is a paucity of studies that explore how quality of life is correlated with affiliate stigma and social support. The objective of this study was to explore the association of affiliate stigma, social support, and quality of life among parents raising children with autism. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, 118 parents were purposively sampled from the Non-Governmental Organisation in Gauteng province, South Africa. Data was collected using self-report measures of affiliate stigma, social support, and quality of life. The collected data were analysed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients. The study results indicated that affiliate stigma was negatively correlated with quality of life r (118) = -.367 p, <.001. The study's findings indicate a statistically significant positive correlation between social support r (118) = .422, p <.001, and quality of life. This study's results indicate social support plays a significant positive role in the quality of life of parents raising children with autism. Stigma does negatively impact the quality of life of parents raising children with autism. This study suggests that more social support services and awareness campaigns can improve the quality of life of parents raising children with autism. The study results suggest that screening for the quality of life of parents of children diagnosed with ASD by healthcare professionals should be part of the child’s routine medical checkups.