OTİZM SPEKTRUM BOZUKLUĞU TANISI OLAN ÇOCUKLARIN ANNELERİNİN ALGILADIKLARI SOSYAL DESTEK VE PSİKOLOJİK SIKINTI DÜZEYLERİNİN İNCELENMESİ.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disorder whose prevalence has increased over the years and affects both the diagnosed individual and his/her family. It is observed that parents experience stress in the process and report depression and anxiety. This study aims to investigate the relationships between these symptoms and perceived social support (PSS) and the protective role of PSS in the effects of stress on depression. To achieve this aim, 156 mothers whose children were diagnosed with ASD participated in the study. Demographic Information Form, Depression Anxiety Stress 21 Scale (DASS-21) and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were applied to the participants. As a result of the study, it was found that stress, depression and anxiety had positive relationships with each other, while the relationships of PSS and PSS from different sources with these symptoms were also examined As a consequence, only PSS from a significant other was found to have a negative relationship with depression. Additionally, the moderating role of PSS and PSS from different sources in the relationship between stress and depression was not found As a result, it was concluded that PSS does not have a protective role in the effects of stress on depression. While there are conflicting findings in the literature, it is thought that it would be beneficial to evaluate the perceptions and expectations of mothers with children diagnosed with ASD regarding social support Finally, the limitations of the present study and suggestions for future research were mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]