Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Depressive Symptoms in Parents of Autistic Children: A Cross-Lagged Panel Analysis

This study examined bidirectional relationships between basic psychological needs satisfaction (autonomy, competence, relatedness) and depressive symptoms in 178 Chinese parents of autistic children over a three-month period. Results showed parenting stress mediates both the negative effects of depression on psychological needs and the protective effects of autonomy satisfaction on mental health.