The Relationship Between Child Externalizing Behaviors and Parental Stress in Children with Fragile X Syndrome

Authors

• Erica Mazur
• Majorie Grefer
• Jane E. Roberts PhDFollow

Abstract

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading heritable cause for intellectual disabilities and the leading known genetic cause for developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The present study examined the relationship between levels of externalizing behaviors in children with FXS and increased parenting stress in parents of children with FXS. Aggressive behaviors and autism severity were examined in 48 male children diagnosed with FXS (range 2-5 years). Parenting stress was examined in 27 of their mothers and 21 of their fathers. Increased severity of autistic behavior was associated with elevated parental stress. Greater levels of parental stress were also associated with increased presentation of aggressive behaviors. These findings are important for the families of children with a FXS diagnosis because externalizing behaviors and parenting stress are likely to negatively impact family relationships.

Recommended Citation

Mazur, Erica; Grefer, Majorie; and Roberts, Jane E. PhD (2015) "The Relationship Between Child Externalizing Behaviors and Parental Stress in Children with Fragile X Syndrome," Caravel Undergraduate Research Journal: Vol. 4, Article 2.
Available at: https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/caravel/vol4/iss1/2