Introduction
Children with ASD often experience heightened anxiety levels, with studies indicating that approximately 33% of autistic children report symptoms of anxiety. For some, this anxiety leads to an increase in repetitive behaviors—actions such as repeating the same phrases, insisting on sameness, or engaging in rituals. These behaviors are not only a hallmark of autism but also a mechanism for coping with overwhelming feelings of anxiety.
This study specifically investigates how anxiety and repetitive behaviors are related in autistic children and how this relationship contributes to parenting stress. Importantly, it compares these dynamics in two Spanish-speaking countries with differing socio-cultural backgrounds: Spain and Colombia.
Study Design: Examining Cultural Contexts
Researchers analyzed data from 118 families of autistic individuals, 60 from Spain and 58 from Colombia, with participants ranging in age from 4 to 29 years. The study participants were assessed using multiple standardized tools, including the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ-B), the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R), the Parent-Rated Anxiety Scale for ASD (PRAS-ASD), and the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF).
The study’s goal was twofold:
- Examine the relationships between anxiety, repetitive behavior, and parental stress in individuals with autism in Spain and Colombia.
- Identify any differences in these relationships between the two countries.
Key Findings: Anxiety and Repetitive Behaviors
One of the most striking findings from the study was the strong positive correlation between anxiety and repetitive behaviors in both Spanish and Colombian samples. This means that children with more pronounced repetitive behaviors often experienced higher levels of anxiety, regardless of cultural context. Specifically, behaviors that fall under the category of “sameness” (rigid adherence to routines or repetitive patterns) were most strongly associated with anxiety.
This is consistent with previous studies suggesting that children with ASD often use repetitive behaviors as a way to manage anxiety. For instance, when a child insists on sameness—such as following a strict daily routine—they may be trying to create a sense of predictability in an otherwise overwhelming world. When this predictability is disrupted, anxiety may escalate, leading to an increase in repetitive behaviors.
In both Spain and Colombia, the connection between anxiety and repetitive behaviors was found to be robust, supporting the notion that these behaviors serve as a coping mechanism for managing anxiety in autistic individuals across different cultures.
Cultural Differences in Parenting Stress
While the relationship between anxiety and repetitive behaviors was similar in both countries, the study uncovered significant differences when it came to parental stress:
- In Spain, higher levels of anxiety in children were associated with greater parental stress. This positive correlation suggests that Spanish caregivers may experience more distress when their child’s anxiety is pronounced, possibly due to a combination of caregiving challenges and emotional strain.
- In Colombia, the findings were quite different. Here, the relationship between anxiety in children and parental stress was negative—meaning that as children’s anxiety increased, parental stress appeared to decrease. This result is unusual, as it contrasts with most existing literature on the subject. The researchers speculate that this difference might be influenced by cultural factors, particularly related to parenting styles. In Colombia, parents may employ more punitive or inconsistent approaches to discipline, which could impact the way they perceive and respond to their child’s anxiety.
Interestingly, despite these cultural differences, the overall level of parental stress was higher among Colombian families compared to Spanish families. The Parenting Stress Index (PSI-SF) revealed that Colombian parents reported significantly higher stress scores in the areas of parent-child dysfunctional interaction and difficulty in managing their child’s behavior. This finding suggests that Colombian families may be facing more severe challenges in their daily interactions with their autistic children.
Repetitive Behaviors and Parenting Stress
The relationship between repetitive behaviors and parenting stress was also analyzed in both countries, yielding some insightful results:
- In Spain, a moderate association was found between repetitive behaviors and parental stress. This suggests that when children displayed more repetitive behaviors, their parents experienced higher levels of stress. Repetitive behaviors, such as self-injury or ritualistic actions, can be particularly challenging for caregivers, often requiring constant attention and intervention. As a result, these behaviors contribute significantly to the emotional and psychological burden on Spanish parents.
- In Colombia, however, no significant association was found between repetitive behaviors and parenting stress. This could again be related to cultural differences in how caregivers perceive and react to their child’s behaviors. In some cases, Colombian caregivers may not fully recognize or acknowledge the severity of their child’s repetitive behaviors, which could explain why these behaviors do not appear to contribute to their reported stress levels.
Differences in Anxiety, Repetitive Behaviors, and Parenting Stress Across Cultures
While the study revealed commonalities in the relationship between anxiety and repetitive behaviors in both Spain and Colombia, it also highlighted key cultural differences in parenting stress levels. Interestingly, no significant differences were found between the two countries when it came to anxiety and repetitive behaviors themselves. However, Colombian caregivers reported higher levels of overall parenting stress, particularly in terms of managing the parent-child relationship and coping with their child’s challenging behaviors.
These findings point to the possibility that external factors—such as socio-economic challenges, access to mental health resources, and educational support—may be influencing the higher stress levels reported by Colombian parents. In Spain, families generally have better access to specialized services for autism, which could help buffer the stress experienced by caregivers.
Implications for Future Research and Support Strategies
This study is one of the few cross-cultural comparisons of autism-related anxiety, repetitive behaviors, and parental stress in Latin American and Western countries. It emphasizes the importance of considering cultural and contextual factors when developing support systems for families of autistic children.
For professionals working with families affected by autism, this research underscores the need to adopt culturally sensitive approaches. In Spain, strategies that directly address the relationship between anxiety and repetitive behaviors could help reduce parenting stress. In Colombia, improving access to mental health and educational services may be key to alleviating the overall burden on caregivers.
Moreover, the results highlight the importance of training parents in effective coping strategies. By equipping families with the tools they need to better manage their child’s anxiety and behaviors, it is possible to reduce the emotional strain and improve family quality of life.
Limitations of the Study
Despite its valuable insights, the study does have several limitations. For one, the sample size was relatively small, with only 118 families participating across both countries. A larger sample could provide more robust conclusions, particularly when examining factors like sex, age, or socio-economic background.
Additionally, the study did not account for certain variables, such as the parents’ educational levels, financial status, or employment situations—all of which could have a significant impact on parenting stress. Future research should explore these factors to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics at play.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Culturally Informed Autism Support
This comparative study offers important insights into how anxiety, repetitive behaviors, and parental stress are interrelated in two culturally distinct settings. By examining these factors in both Spain and Colombia, the research highlights the need for context-specific support strategies for families of autistic children.
The findings suggest that while anxiety and repetitive behaviors are consistently related across cultures, the way parents experience stress is heavily influenced by external factors such as parenting style, socio-economic conditions, and access to resources. As autism research expands, more attention should be paid to cross-cultural comparisons to ensure that all families—regardless of location—receive the support they need to thrive.
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