The Relationship between Challenging Behaviors of Children who have Autism Spectrum Disorders in Lebanon, Coping Styles and Marital Satisfaction of the Mothers
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2019
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Abstract
Research about Autism Spectrum Disorders and its effects on parents is rare in the Arab world (Taha & Hussein, 2014). This study assessed whether challenging behaviors in children who have ASD and the coping styles of their mothers predict perceived marital satisfaction in the mothers in Beirut, Lebanon. The study employed a cross sectional survey design with a convenient of N = 59 mothers, who were recruited from inclusive schools, and NGOs, they completed a demographic form and three questionnaires (The Brief Cope, Quality of Marriage Index and the Indian Assessment of Autism Scale). The data was analyzed using multiple regression analysis and descriptive, inferential statistics. Only 50% of the required sample was recruited over 6 months, due to non-responsiveness of institutions and parents, and the sociopolitical uprising that occurred in Lebanon. Mothers reported above average marital satisfaction. This could be due to socially desirability; mothers maintain expectations that are consistent with traditional parental and societal expectations (Goodman & Glenwick, 2012). They also reported their children’s challenging behaviors as below the midpoint. The severity of behaviors is related to marital satisfaction (Baker et al., 2002), mothers who reported more positive perceptions of their child’s behavior, reported better relationship adjustment (Lickenbrock et al. 2011). In line with previous work (Stoneman, et al. 2006) Engagement coping was associated with better marital satisfaction, indicating that seeking emotional support, is related to higher marital satisfaction. The main hypotheses of the study were not supported, coping styles and challenging behaviors were non-significant predictors of marital satisfaction. Due to small sample size the study was underpowered and at risk of a type II error. Future research should recruit a larger sample with a focus on participants’ dyadic coping, taking into account the challenges in reaching this specific population.
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Aknadibossian, N. (2019). The Relationship between Challenging Behaviors of Children who have Autism Spectrum Disorders in Lebanon, Coping Styles and Marital Satisfaction of the Mothers (SBS thesis, Haigazian University)