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Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

Gepubliceerd in:

01-12-2012 | Original Paper

Network Characteristics, Perceived Social Support, and Psychological Adjustment in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Auteur: Paul R. Benson

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders | Uitgave 12/2012

Abstract

This study examined the characteristics of the support networks of 106 mothers of children with ASD and their relationship to perceived social support, depressed mood, and subjective well-being. Using structural equation modeling, two competing sets of hypotheses were assessed: (1) that network characteristics would impact psychological adjustment directly, and (2) that network effects on adjustment would be indirect, mediated by perceived social support. Results primarily lent support to the latter hypotheses, with measures of network structure (network size) and function (proportion of network members providing emotional support) predicting increased levels of perceived social support which, in turn, predicted decreased depressed mood and increased well-being. Results also indicated that increased interpersonal strain in the maternal network was directly and indirectly associated with increased maternal depression, while being indirectly linked to reduced well-being. Study limitations and implications are discussed.

vorige artikel Sex Differences in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Identified Within a High-Risk Infant Cohort

volgende artikel Atypical Social Referencing in Infant Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Titel: Network Characteristics, Perceived Social Support, and Psychological Adjustment in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Auteur: Paul R. Benson
Publicatiedatum: 01-12-2012
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders / Uitgave 12/2012
Print ISSN: 0162-3257
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-3432
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-012-1517-9

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