Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of multicultural variables identified by the Multicultural Assessment-Intervention Process (MAIP) model (i.e., ethnic identity, acculturation, perceived discrimination, and gender roles) on parental stress and family quality of life among parents of color who have children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (i.e., autism, ADHD, etc.). Based on a sample of 248 parents of color who have children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, eight standard regression analyses were conducted. The results indicated that parental stress was predicted by three multicultural variables (acculturation, perceived discrimination, gender roles) while family quality of life was predicted by all four multicultural variables, with a facet of acculturation (Mainstream) as the only multicultural variable significantly positively predictive of all clinical outcomes (i.e., all outcomes except parental distress). As such, parents of color who have children with neurodevelopmental disabilities who identify with mainstream culture are more likely to experience positive aspects of parenting (i.e., teaching children positive life skills), social support, family support and disability-related support. Clinical implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.