The combined influence of individual agency and social structure: Analysis of information credibility assessments by parents of children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Information credibility assessment is a key activity for parents raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is influenced by individual agency and social structure. However, no research has been conducted on the impact of individual agency and social structure on the information assessment of this group. This study measured individual agency using information mastery (proactive, social, and passive modes) and capital (material, cultural, and social); evaluated social structure in the dimensions of macro-, meso-, and micro-environmental support; and examined the influence of these variables on the information credibility assessment and information use outcomes of parents of children with ASD using structural equation modeling. The data were derived from 602 questionnaires completed by parents of children with ASD. The results revealed that individual agency and social structure significantly and positively affected information credibility assessment, with information mastery exerting the strongest impact. Information credibility assessment had a significant positive effect on information use outcomes. In addition, the participants focused on content and source characteristics when assessing rehabilitation information. These findings could deepen the understanding of information credibility assessment under the combined influence of individual agency and social structure and contribute to the improvement of this group’s information assessment skills.