A Comparative Network Analysis of Parenting Stress and Affiliate Stigma in Parents of Children With ASD and ADHD

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) present behavioural problems that contribute to caregiver stress and stigma. While trait mindfulness is considered a protective factor, the underlying mechanisms buffering the distress may differ due to differences in children's problem behaviours. This study used network analysis to compare the interplay of parenting stress, affiliate stigma, child problem behaviours and parental trait mindfulness in parents of children with ASD (n = 174) versus ADHD (n = 108). We constructed psychological network models and compared node centrality to identify core components and pathways in their psychological networks. Parenting stress and affiliate stigma were central but differently structured in both networks. The ASD network featured strong links between the child's prosocial behaviour, the node 'Difficult Child' of parenting stress and 'Cognitive Stigma' of affiliate stigma. In contrast, the ADHD network was defined by links between the nodes 'Cognitive Stigma' and 'Affective Stigma' of affiliate stigma and the child's prosocial behaviour. Trait mindfulness was negatively associated with parenting stress and affiliate stigma, suggesting transdiagnostic benefits. These findings reveal distinct distress mechanisms, suggesting that interventions for ASD families should target children's social skills, while those for ADHD families should focus on managing parent-child behavioural cycles.