Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the association between each phase of the Life Transition Process (LTP) and depressive symptoms among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Methods
Using a cross-sectional study design, data pertaining to LTP and depressive symptoms were collected from 285 parents of children with ASD (101 fathers and 184 mothers). Participants were recruited through the Autism Society of Korea and a counseling center for families of children with ASD.
Results
Using a cut-off point of 5 or higher on the Beck Depression Inventory-Short Form, more than half of the parents (53.4%) were deemed depressed; these parents experienced moderate (27.4%) to severe (11.6%) levels of depressive symptoms. A hierarchical multiple regression using the socio-demographic characteristics of children and parents and each phase of the LTP as predictors, found that lower income (β=-.14, p=.007) and greater scores for the wandering phase (β=.59, p<.001) were significant predictors of greater levels of depressive symptoms.
Conclusion
These findings confirm the association between LTP and depressive symptoms for parents of children with ASD, who were found to have a greater risk of depressive symptoms during wandering phase.

Citations

• Global prevalence of depression in caregivers of children with autism: A systematic review and meta-analysis
  Xin Rong Lam, Ling Jie Cheng, Celest Su Yi Leo, Zheng An Toh, Hong-Gu He
  Journal of Pediatric Nursing.2025; 80: e74.     CrossRef
• An Integrated Review of The Factors Influencing Aggression in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  Miran Jung, Yeong Seon Hong
  Journal of Korean Academy of psychiatric and Menta.2022; 31(2): 125.     CrossRef