Emotional regulation, self-compassion and adaptive functioning in parents: a comparative study in families of neurodevelopmental disorder and typically developing children
| Date | 24 September 2024 |
| Pages | 149-160 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/AMHID-11-2023-0042 |
| Published date | 24 September 2024 |
| Author | Festona Avdiu,Zamira Hyseni Duraku |
Emotional regulation, self-compassion and
adaptive functioning in parents:
a comparative study in families of
neurodevelopmental disorder and typically
developing children
Festona Avdiu and Zamira Hyseni Duraku
Abstract
Purpose –This study aims to investigatethe associations between emotional regulationstrategies, self-
compassionand adaptive functioning in families of childrenwith neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD)in
comparisonto families with typically developing(TD) children.
Design/methodology/approach –This cross-sectional study used a comprehensive set of validated
measures to assess emotional regulation strategies, self-compassion and adaptive functioning. The
study cohort consisted of 116 parents; 58 parents of children with NDD and 58 parentsof TD children.
The mean age of the childrenwas 6.40 years (SD ¼1.82).
Findings –The findings indicate that higher self-compassion is associated with improved adaptive
functioning, evidenced by reduced levels of internalizing (depression, anxiety, withdrawal, somatic
complaints) and externalizing(aggressive behaviors) problems. Parents of childrenwith NDD reported
greater levels of depression,anxiety and withdrawal compared to parents of TD children. Parentsof TD
children used cognitive reappraisal more frequently and exhibited higher levels of self-compassion,
whereasthe use of expressive suppression was moreprevalent among parents of children withNDD.
Practical implications –These findingshighlight the need for family-centeredand tailored interventions
that promote self-compassionand adaptive emotional regulation strategies to reduce internalizing and
externalizingproblems among parents of children with NDD.By providing comprehensive psychological
support and accessible community resources, parental ability to cope with stress may be improved,
fosteringadaptive functioning that benefitsboth parents and children with NDD.
Originality/value –This study introducesa novel perspective on the importanceof self-compassion and
emotional regulation strategies in protecting and improving the mental well-being of parents with
neurodevelopmental disorder children. It provides valuable insights for targeted interventions in NDD
families,focusing on reducing the risk of mental health deteriorationwhile promoting emotionalresilience.
Keywords Neurodevelopmental disorder, Typical development, Parent, Emotional regulation,
Self-compassion, Adaptive functioning
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
The well-being of parents, particularly those of children with neurodevelopmental disorders
(NDD), is increasingly recognized as a pressing concern (Scherer et al.,2019;Hyseni
Duraku, 2022). NDD encompasses a spectrum of conditions leading to developmental
challenges that affect personal, social, academic and occupational functioning (American
Psychiatric Association, 2013). This includes intellectual disabilities (ID), communication
Festona Avdiu is based at
Institute of Psychological
Services “KUTIA”,
Prishtine
¨, Kosove
¨.
Zamira Hyseni Duraku is
based at the Department of
Psychology, Faculty of
Philosophy, University of
Prishtina, Prishtine
¨, Kosove
¨.
Received 26 November 2023
Revised 19 June 2024
Accepted 6 September 2024
Funding: The authors received
no financial support for the
authorship, and/or publication
of this article.
Informed consent: Informed
consent was obtained from all
participants in the study.
Disclosure statement: The
authors report there are no
competing interests to declare.
Data availability: The datasets
generated and/or analyzed in
this study are available from the
corresponding author upon
reasonable request.
DOI 10.1108/AMHID-11-2023-0042 VOL. 18 NO. 42024, pp. 149-160, ©Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2044-1282 jADVANCES IN MENTAL HEALTH AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES jPAGE 149
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