Abstract

Purpose: The study was conducted to examine the relationship between internalized stigma and care burden of primary caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Method: The study was conducted with 124 primary caregivers of children’s who were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. between April 1 and May 1. The Personal Information Form, Internalized stigmatization of Parents in Psychological Illness Scale, and Caregiver’s Burden Scale were used to collect the data for the study. Pearson Correlation Analysis and Linear Regression Analysis were used in the analysis of the data.

Results: A total of 88.0% of the caregivers of the children who had autism and who participated in the study were women and 31.2% were in the 35-40 age range. The result of the Regression Analysis made to determine the cause-effect relationship between the Internalized stigmatization of Parents in Psychological Illness Scale total score and the care burden was found to be significant (F=58.593; p=0.000<0.05). The total change in the level of caregiving burden was explained by the sum of Internalized stigmatization of Parents in Psychological Illness Scale at a rate of 31.7% (R2=0.317). Internalized stigmatization of Parents in Psychological Illness Scale increases the total care burden (ß=0.499). The result of the Regression Analysis made to determine the cause-effect relationship between the sub-dimensions of alienation, approval of stereotypes, perceived discrimination, social withdrawal, resistance to stigmatization and caregiving burden was found to be significant (F=11.424; p=0.000<0.05). The total change in the level of caregiving burden was explained by alienation, approval of stereotypes, perceived discrimination, social withdrawal, and resistance to stigmatization by 29.6% (R2=0.296). Among these, perceived discrimination (ß=0.621) and social withdrawal (ß=1.181) increase the level of caregiver burden (ß=1.181).

Conclusion: Internalized stigmatization increases the care burden of caregivers of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is recommended to repeat these variables in future studies with larger samples and studies with different designs.