Pathways from Connectedness to Flourishing: The Mediating Roles of Gratitude, Harmony Control, and Resilience in Parents of Neurodivergent Children

Abstract

The well-being of parents of neurodivergent children is a crucial yet often overlooked area of research, with most studies focusing on caregiving challenges. This study explored the protective psychological attributes that promote flourishing. It examined pathways to flourishing among 659 Thai parents of neurodivergent children using structural equation modeling (SEM). Connectedness to self (self-compassion), others (pro-socialness), and nature were modeled as predictors of flourishing, with gratitude, harmony control, and resilience as mediators. The model showed excellent fit (CFI = 0.97, TLI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.05). Self-compassion was indirectly associated with flourishing via resilience. Pro-socialness and connectedness to nature showed both direct and indirect effects, mediated through gratitude, harmony control, and resilience, with evidence of serial mediation through harmony control and resilience. Findings support a multidimensional framework for enhancing caregiver well-being and offer guidance for developing interventions in special education that support flourishing through internal psychological resources.