The effects of coping style, social support, and behavioral problems on the well-being of mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Lebanon

•We examined factors that affect the well-being of mothers of children with autism.•Cognitive reframing and behavioral problems were correlated with well-being levels.•Comparisons were also drawn with mothers of typically developing children.•Disengagement and distraction coping predicted poorer well-being in the ASD group.•Well-being level was significantly lower in the ASD group.

The present study examined the effects of coping styles, social support, and child's behavioral symptoms on the well-being of 65 mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Lebanon. Comparisons to the well-being of 98 mothers of typically developing children were also drawn. Regression analyses showed that disengagement and distraction coping predicted poor well-being, whereas cognitive reframing showed a correlation with better well-being levels. A significant correlation was found between child's behavioral problems and maternal well-being. T-test analyses revealed that mothers of children with ASD differed in terms of coping styles used. Additionally, mothers of children with ASD showed lower levels of perceived social support. Well-being was significantly better for mothers of typically developing children. Study limitations and implications are discussed.