Modeling of Family Adaptability and Cohesion in the Family of Autistic Children Based on Family Resources, Coping Strategies and Perceived Stress

Objectives Pervasive disorders are a group of neuropsychiatric disorders that accompany social, communicative, and cognitive development of the individual with certain delays. When a family member is diagnosed with a chronic disease, the whole family function may be affected. This study aimed to investigate modeling of family adaptability and cohesion in the family of autistic children based on family resources, coping strategies and perceived stress.
Methods This was a correlational research based on structural equation modeling, specifically the regression equations. The statistical population were all 450 families with autistic children in Tehran City, Iran. Of them, 360 samples were selected by Klein (2010). The study data were collected using Perceived Stress questionnaire, Family Resource scale, Billings and Mouse Coping Strategies questionnaire, and Adequacy and Family Correlation scale.
Results Among family resources, coping styles and parental perceived stress with the adaptability and coherence of the affected children's family . There is a significant relationship between autism and the overall research model. In addition, about 0.35 of adaptation and 0.35 of family cohesion by these variables in direct and indirect directions can be explained
Conclusion The research model was confirmed and the family resources, coping styles and perceived stress of parents had a direct effect on the adaptability and family cohesion of children with autism. The paths of family resources, coping styles stress and mediation of parents' perceived stress showed an indirect effect on the adaptability and family cohesion of children with autism. The results of this study emphasize the developmental strengths and weaknesses of families with autistic children. Promoting family-oriented therapeutic interventions enhances family strengths, improves family weaknesses, and increases parental involvement in the treatment course