Psychological Well-Being, Resilience and Hope among Parents of Children with ASD and ADHD, Bangalore

Parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders often experience considerable caregiving demands, and previous research largely focuses on stress, anxiety, and caregiver burden. The present study examines psychological well-being, resilience, and hope from a strengths-based perspective among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Bangalore. As an additional analysis, the study compares psychological well-being, resilience, and hope between parents of young children and parents of adolescents. A quantitative cross-sectional correlational-comparative research design is used. The sample consists of 71 parents, including 26 parents of young children aged 3–9 years and 45 parents of adolescents aged 10–19 years. Psychological well-being is assessed using Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being. Resilience is measured using the Wagnild and Young Resilience Scale (RS-25), and hope is assessed using Snyder’s Adult Hope Scale. The data are analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and independent-samples t-test. The findings show significant positive relationships among psychological well-being, resilience, and hope. Resilience and hope demonstrate the strongest positive association (r = .699, p < .01). Parents of adolescents report significantly higher psychological well-being than parents of young children (t = 2.27, p < .05). A significant difference is also observed in the autonomy dimension of psychological well-being. However, no significant differences are found between the two groups in overall resilience or hope. The findings indicate that psychological well-being, resilience, and hope are positively related among parents of children with ASD and ADHD in the present sample. The additional analysis indicates higher psychological well-being and autonomy among parents of adolescents, highlighting the relevance of considering the developmental stage of the child in understanding parental psychological functioning. The findings support strengths-based and family-centred psychological support for parents. Overall, psychological well-being, resilience, and hope remain important positive psychological resources among parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.