Understanding parental experiences of the impact of parental role on a couple’s relationship with autism spectrum disorder children in Goa, India: A case study

Date of Publication

10-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology

Subject Categories

Family, Life Course, and Society

College

Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of Education

Department/Unit

Counseling and Educational Psychology

Thesis Advisor

John Addy S. Garcia

Defense Panel Chair

Aime T. Guarino

Defense Panel Member

Jerome A. Ouano
Estesa Xaris Q. Legaspi
Leo J. Capeding
Ron R. Resurreccion

Abstract/Summary

The entrance of a newborn child into a family lead to alterations in the family dynamic, including the couple’s relationship. A child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) forces parents to assume new roles in a short period. This case study aimed to understand how couples in Goa, India, maintain their couple relationship when carrying out their parental roles with children with ASD. Participants of this study consisted of 10 couples of children with ASD from two major centers in Goa.

Data was gathered through one-to-one interviews and journaling, and content was analyzed. Study participants reported experiencing the following primary stressors: perception of autism and its consequences, recognition of the problem, and individual stress and burden. They also experienced secondary stressors, which included: family stress and burden, social stress and burden, and bypassing self-care. Their appraisal of their caregiving role is characterized by: future stress and burden. These factors (primary and secondary stressors, and caregiving appraisals) have negatively influenced the couple’s relationship leading to parental and couple stress. The strategies employed by couples to remain functional included problem-focused coping, spiritual coping, positive coping, delegated coping, and a healthy support system.

Findings, recommendations, and limitations are also mentioned.

Keywords: parental role, primary and secondary stressors, caregiving appraisal, couple’s relationship, coping strategies

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Parents of autistic children—India; Marital quality—India; Spouses—India

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