Marital Satisfaction, Parental Stress, & Perceived Social Support of Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of both formal and informal social supports on
mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder’s marital satisfaction and parental
stress. To our knowledge, no other study has examined the relationship between various
formal support types and marital satisfaction. This study aimed to fill this gap by
examining the effects of both formal and informal social supports on mothers of children
with ASD’s marital satisfaction and maternal stress. A sample of 151 mothers of children
with ASD completed the online survey, assessing their use of formal and informal
supports, their perceived effectiveness of said social supports, their marital satisfaction,
and their parental stress. Results indicated that informal social support was significantly
associated with marital satisfaction. Parents of other children with ASD/other disorders,
significant other/spouse, and respite care were identified as the most effective forms of
social support. Specifically, parents of other children with ASD/other disorders and
significant other/spouse were identified as the most understanding of the child’s
difficulties and needs. Both parents of other children with ASD/other disorders and
significant other/spouse had a significant positive relationship with marital satisfaction.
Several findings were consistent with previous research conducted on mothers of children
with ASD; however, a few findings were inconsistent with prior research, possibly due to
a lack of variability of this study’s sample and previous research being conducted in New
Zealand and Australia instead of in the United States. Results from this study can inform
the advancement of parental interventions and treatment aimed at increasing marital
satisfaction, increasing social support use and effectiveness, and reducing parental stress.