Introduction: Parents of children with special needs often develop self-concept and behavioral disorders due to their children›s impairments and needs. The aim of the present study was to predict parental self-concept based on executive functions (behavioral inhibition and attention shifting) and cognitive flexibility in children with autism spectrum disorder in Zanjan City.
Methods: The research method was descriptive-correlational. The statistical population consisted of all parents of children with autism in Zanjan City who were members of the Zanjan autism spectrum disorder Association. From among them, and considering the study›s inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 196 parents (98 fathers and 98 mothers) of children with autism spectrum disorder who were members of the Zanjan autism spectrum disorder Association were selected via census sampling. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the “Tennessee Self-Concept Scale”, the “Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function” and the “Cognitive Flexibility Inventory”. The validity of the instruments was assessed by calculating the Content Validity Index (CVI), and their reliability was measured through internal consistency using Cronbach›s alpha coefficient. Data were analyzed in SPSS.26.
Results: A positive correlation was found between parental self-concept and executive functions (behavioral inhibition, attention shifting, and cognitive flexibility) in children with autism spectrum disorder at a significant level (P< 0.05). Furthermore, the predictive role of parental self-concept based on executive functions (behavioral inhibition, attention shifting, and cognitive flexibility) was confirmed at a significant level (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Executive functions (behavioral inhibition, attention shifting, and cognitive flexibility) in children with autism predict the self-concept of their parents. Therefore, it is suggested that educators, autism spectrum disorder therapists, counselors, and psychologists focus on improving executive functions (behavioral inhibition, attention shifting, and cognitive flexibility) in children with autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, necessary measures and training, such as holding educational sessions to enhance and improve parental self-concept, should be implemented.
normohammadi A, Yaghmaei F, Nazari F. Predicting Parental Self-Concept Based on Executive Functions (Behavioral Inhibition, Attention Shifting, and Cognitive Flexibility) in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Zanjan City. JHPM 2026; 15 (1) :34-47 URL: http://jhpm.ir/article-1-1916-en.html