A Mixed‐Methods Study on the Associations Between Community Resilience and Parental Self‐Efficacy Among Parents of Children With Autism During War: The Mediating Role of Stress, Anxiety and Depression
Published online on April 05, 2026
Abstract
["Child &Family Social Work, Volume 31, Issue 2, Page 823-833, May 2026. ", "\nABSTRACT\nIndividuals with disabilities, particularly those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), are highly vulnerable during times of war. This study explored the experiences of Israeli parents of children with ASD during the Swords of Iron War, focusing on community resilience, psychological distress and parental self‐efficacy. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between community resilience and parental self‐efficacy, considering the potential mediating role of psychological distress (stress, anxiety and depression). A mixed‐method approach was employed, involving an online questionnaire completed by 80 parents and in‐depth interviews with six parents. Quantitative data were analysed using correlation, regression and mediation analyses, while qualitative data underwent thematic and categorical analysis. Results indicated that higher levels of community resilience were associated with lower levels of psychological distress and higher parental self‐efficacy. Psychological distress significantly mediated the relationship between community resilience and parental self‐efficacy. Qualitative findings complemented the quantitative trends, highlighting the importance of community resilience in mitigating psychological distress and enhancing parental self‐efficacy. We discussed these results within the frameworks of ecological systems theory, Bandura's self‐efficacy theory and the ABCX model, offering implications for research, practice and policy.\n"]