Family Functioning and Coping Behaviors in Parents of Children with Autism |
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Authors: | Matthew J Altiere Silvia von Kluge |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Psychology, Eastern Michigan University, 537 Mark Jefferson, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA |
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Abstract: | We analyzed family dynamics and coping behaviors of parents with a child with an autistic spectrum disorder. Previous research
suggests that moderate levels of cohesion and adaptability are associated with higher levels of positive coping, and that
the more coping strategies a family implements, the greater their satisfaction with family functioning. Using a family systems
approach, the relationships among the familial variables of cohesion, adaptability, and social support were evaluated for
their contributions to coping in the family unit. We also compared the responses of mothers and fathers. Surprisingly, for
these parents of children with autism, those who rated their family as enmeshed implemented more positive coping strategies
than did those from other cohesion styles. This finding suggests that the enmeshed style may be more adaptive for a family
that encounters extreme challenges. Notably, mothers and fathers agreed on all variables except for perception of social support
from family and friends. Mothers perceived more social support from family and friends. The results lead to several interesting
suggestions for future research. |
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Keywords: | Autism Cohesion Adaptability Coping Family systems |
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