Perceived social support and life satisfaction of Chinese parents of children with autism spectrum disorder: Loneliness as a mediator and moderator

Background: This study investigates the relationships and mechanism between perceived social support, loneliness, and life satisfaction among Chinese parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Method: Cross-sectional data were collected from 306 parents of children with ASD, including fathers and mothers, in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, mainland China. A survey comprising the parent-rated Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale was administered. Results: Perceived social support was significantly associated with loneliness and life satisfaction. Loneliness both mediated and moderated the relationship between perceived social support and life satisfaction. Conclusions: Theoretically, the findings highlight the role of loneliness in explaining the mechanism through which perceived social support is linked to life satisfaction. Practically, this study suggests that high levels of perceived social support and low levels of loneliness are sociopsychological resources that can be targeted to enhance the life satisfaction of Chinese parents of children with ASD.