Abstract

SCHMIDT, Carlo  and  BOSA, Cleonice. Stress and self-efficacy in mothers of people with autism. Arq. bras. psicol. [online]. 2007, vol.59, n.2, pp. 179-191. ISSN 1809-5267.

The aim of this study was to investigate the stress levels and maternal self-efficacy in mothers of persons with autism. Thirty mothers of children with autism participated in the study, with ages ranging from 30 to 56 years old. The instruments used were the Lipp’s Inventory of Stress Symptoms for Adults (ISSL) and the Self-efficacy Scale. The results showed that most mothers presented high levels of stress. The levels of maternal self-efficacy the behaviors that the mothers felt more effective to deal with were their son's stereotyped movements, the excessive amount of time spent in a particular activity and the insistence for the things to be made in certain ways. The most difficult behavior for them to deal with were their son's difficulties to take turns during conversation and keeping eye contact when interacting with partners. The results are discussed using the Psychosocial Model of Adaptation.

Keywords : Autism; Stress; Self-efficacy.

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