A Systematic Review of Self-Reported Stress Questionnaires in People on the Autism Spectrum

Thoen, Anoushka; Steyaert, Jean; Alaerts, Kaat; Evers, Kris; Van Damme, Tine

BACKGROUND: The goal of this systematic review was to provide an overview of self-report measures of stress in populations on the autism spectrum. In addition, information regarding psychometric properties was discussed as well. METHODS: Four databases were systematically searched following the PRISMA guidelines and using strict eligibility criteria. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the COSMIN checklist. RESULTS: Eight questionnaires were previously used in populations on the autism spectrum, reported over 31 studies. DISCUSSION: Future research should focus more on examining psychometric properties of these self-report measures in this population as current evidence is scarce. In addition, it is important to consider which concept of stress one aims to measure as not all questionnaires cover the same aspects of stress. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40489-021-00293-4.