“We are in this together”: Experiences of relationship satisfaction in couples raising a child with autism spectrum disorder
2019 (English)In: Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, ISSN 1750-9467, E-ISSN 1878-0237, Vol. 58, p. 39-51Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
Background: Couple relationships play an integral role in family adjustment when a child has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet, it is unclear what factors contribute to the maintenance of relationship satisfaction in these couples.
Method: Using phenomenology, data from eleven couple interviews were analysed to gain an understanding of the lived experiences of relationship satisfaction when raising a child with ASD.
Results: The overall essence of “We are in this together” reflected the attitude that a strong partnership was beneficial in maintaining relationship satisfaction. This essence was captured in three main themes: 1) Shared beliefs, 2) Teamwork and 3) Shared experiences which closely paralleled the Walsh family resilience framework.
Conclusions: Couples can be supported in these key areas to strengthen their relationship to serve as a source of resilience for families with a child with ASD.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2019. Vol. 58, p. 39-51
Keywords [en]
Acceptance, Communication, Dyadic coping, Positivity, Resilience, Teamwork, adolescent, adult, Article, autism, child, cohabiting person, coping behavior, cross-sectional study, female, health belief, human, male, nurturing behavior, parental attitude, parental stress, personal experience, phenomenology, priority journal, psychological resilience, questionnaire, satisfaction, school child, self report, social status, triangulation, young adult
National Category
Occupational Therapy Pediatrics
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-47084DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2018.11.011ISI: 000457515000005Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85057225005Local ID: ;HHJCHILDISOAI: oai:DiVA.org:hj-47084DiVA, id: diva2:1379991
2019-12-182019-12-182023-05-08Bibliographically approved