The research validates a multivariate model that predicts parental adjustment to coping successfully with an autistic child. The model comprises four elements: parental stress, parental resources, parental adjustment and the child's autism symptoms. 176 parents of children aged between 6 to 16 diagnosed with PDD answered several questionnaires measuring parental stress, personal resources (sense of coherence, locus of control, social support) adjustment (mental health and marriage quality) and the child's autism symptoms. Path analysis showed that sense of coherence, internal locus of control, social support and quality of marriage increase the ability to cope with the stress of parenting an autistic child. Directions for further research are suggested.
The main purpose of this research is to compare the differences between how mothers and fathers cope with autistic children based on a multivariate model that describes the relationships between parental psychological resources, parental stress appraisal and parental adjustment. 176 parents who lived in Israel (88 mothers and 88 fathers) of children aged between 6 to 16 most of them (81%) were diagnosed as suffering from PDD and the rest (19%) as suffering from PDDNOS. The parents answered several questionnaires measuring parental psychological resources (social support, sense of coherence, locus of control), parental appraisal of stress (challenge vs. threat), and parental adjustment (mental health and marriage quality). The results show that all the variables entered the path analysis model with the same pattern. However, some links between the variables are quite similar for mothers and fathers while others are different. The results lead to several interesting suggestions for future research using dynamic systems framework and process-oriented methodological approaches.
IntroductionThis study allows for the analysis of how autism affects parents using the constructs of parental psychological resources, parental appraisal of stress, and parental adjustment. Studies indicate that the families of children with autism experience more stress, depression, and anxiety (for review see, Shapiro and Accardo 2008). Focusing on the family is too vague, and there is a need to look more carefully and to examine differently the adjustment of each parent (gender) to their child's disability. Family research concerning autism is rare, and most combine autism and other childhood disorders into a single category. Identifying and understanding factors and processes related to parenting stress are important for the treatment of the child, the well-being of the caregivers and the entire family, and the interests of the community.
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