ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Psychiatry
Sec. Autism
How Parenting Shapes the Relationship Between Autistic Traits and Self-Esteem in Youth: A Comparative Study of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Kazuhiko Yamamuro 1
Natsuko Kashida 1
Rio Ishida 2
Michihiro Toritsuka 2
Tsutomu Takeda 2
Manabu MMakinodan 2
1. Nara Kenritsu Ika Daigaku, Kashihara, Japan
2. Kumamoto Daigaku, Kumamoto, Japan
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Abstract
Background: Self-esteem is a critical factor in the psychological adjustment of children and adolescents, yet little is known about how autistic traits and parenting styles interact to relate self-worth in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Understanding these relationships may provide important insights for family-based interventions. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 76 participants (ASD: n = 40; typically developing [TD]: n = 36). Autistic traits were assessed using the Japanese version of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ-J), parenting attitudes were evaluated with the Parental Nurturance and Parenting Scale (PNPS), and self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). In the ASD group, clinician-rated autism symptom severity was additionally assessed using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2). Associations among autistic traits, parenting attitudes, and self-esteem were examined using multiple linear regression and partial correlation analyses. Results: Children and adolescents with ASD exhibited significantly lower self-esteem than their TD peers (RSES: ASD < TD, p < 0.01). In the combined sample, higher AQ-J scores were independently associated with lower self-esteem (β ≈ −0.48, p < 0.01). Within the ASD group, negative parenting attitudes were linked to lower self-esteem (β = −0.36, p = 0.02), whereas positive parenting attitudes showed a non-significant trend toward higher self-esteem (β = 0.20, p = 0.17). Conversely, clinician-rated autism symptom severity assessed by the ADOS-2 was not associated with self-esteem (β = 0.06, p = 0.72). Overall, parenting attitudes were more closely related to self-esteem than clinician-rated symptom severity in the ASD group. Conclusion: These findings underscore the relevance of parenting contexts in relation to self-esteem among youth with ASD. Although autistic traits were associated with greater vulnerability in self-esteem, supportive parenting attitudes were associated with more favorable self-esteem outcomes. Together, the results suggest that parenting-related factors may be important considerations when addressing psychological well-being in autistic children and adolescents.
Summary
Keywords
adolescents, Autism Spectrum Disorder, autistic traits, Parenting style, self-esteem
Received
15 November 2025
Accepted
02 February 2026
Copyright
© 2026 Yamamuro, Kashida, Ishida, Toritsuka, Takeda and MMakinodan. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Kazuhiko Yamamuro
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