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07-06-2022 | Original Paper

Coping Strategies and the Marital Relationship Among Parents Raising Children with ASD

Auteurs: Marie Brien-Bérard, Catherine des Rivières-Pigeon

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Child and Family Studies | Uitgave 3/2023

Abstract

Parents raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been found to experience higher levels of stress and to face more challenges in the marital relationship than other parents. This study aimed to investigate how such couples cope with the stress and challenges of family life. Our qualitative study was based on semi-structured interviews with 42 parents (29 mothers and 13 fathers) of children and adolescents with ASD. Following Bodenmann’s systemic transactional model (STM), we used thematic analysis to interpret the interview data and explore how couples coped. We found that study participants employed three types of coping strategies to reduce stress and strengthen the marital relationship. First, individual coping met the need for parents to find respite or “me time.” Second, dyadic coping provided a way for members of a couple to support each other and find joint solutions to family challenges. Finally, social support coping played a key role in connecting parents with much needed resources, while allowing them to enjoy some respite and quality time as a couple. Our findings highlight the importance of simultaneously considering individual, dyadic, and social factors for providing a more comprehensive picture of the marital adjustment process.

vorige artikel Anxiety in Autistic Youth: Understanding the Impact on Child, Caregiver, and Family Quality of Life

volgende artikel Family Experiences with the Autism Developmental Evaluation Process: Perspectives of Immigrant and US-Born Mothers

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Titel: Coping Strategies and the Marital Relationship Among Parents Raising Children with ASD
Auteurs: Marie Brien-Bérard
Catherine des Rivières-Pigeon
Publicatiedatum: 07-06-2022
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Child and Family Studies / Uitgave 3/2023
Print ISSN: 1062-1024
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-2843
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-022-02332-y

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