Parent-Mediated vs. Staff-Mediated Behavioral Models in Families of Autistic Children: A Comparative Study on Parental Stress, Co-Parenting, and Quality of Life

Abstract Background: Parental and caregiver stress represents a critical factor influencing family functioning and the quality of care in families of autistic children. Although previous research has identified multiple correlates of caregiver stress, the interplay between individual stress, co-parenting quality, and psychosocial contextual factors in families of autistic children remains insufficiently characterized within an integrated framework. Methods: This study adopted a cross-sectional exploratory design to examine stress levels, co-parenting quality, and associated psychosocial variables in caregivers. Standardized self-report measures were administered, and analyses included descriptive statistics, correlational analyses, and exploratory person-centered clustering procedures to identify patterns of co-occurring characteristics rather than discrete typologies. Results: Caregiver stress was significantly associated with indicators of co-parenting quality and psychosocial burden. Exploratory clustering analyses identified distinct patterns of caregiver experiences, characterized by differing levels of stress, perceived support, and co-parenting quality. These clusters should be interpreted as statistical profiles that reflect heterogeneous configurations of variables, rather than as stable or causal categories. Conclusions: Findings highlight the multidimensional nature of caregiver stress and underscore the importance of considering co-parenting quality and contextual factors within mental health promotion frameworks. The results are hypothesis-generating and support the need for future longitudinal and confirmatory studies to validate these patterns and clarify their implications for preventive and supportive interventions targeting families and care professionals.