TOPIC: HOW DOES THE DIAGNOSIS OF A CHILD WITH AN AUTISC SPECTRUM INFLUENCE THE PARENT’S MARITAL RELATIONSHIP. select a topic and search the literature to find an unanswered question. 2. Form a hypothesis. 3. Determine how you will define and measure your variables. 4. Identify the participants or subjects for the study, decide how they will be selected, Purchase the answer to view it Purchase the answer to view it
Title: The Impact of Diagnosing a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder on the Marital Relationship: An Unanswered Question in the Literature
Introduction
The diagnosis of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can bring about significant changes and challenges within a family, particularly within the marital relationship. Previous studies have examined the effects of raising a child with ASD on parental well-being, but there remains a gap in the literature concerning how the diagnosis itself affects the marital relationship. This study aims to investigate the impact of diagnosing a child with ASD on the marital relationship, focusing on exploring potential changes and challenges experienced by parents. By addressing this unanswered question, we can gain a better understanding of how to support families affected by ASD and potentially provide interventions that can alleviate strain on the marital relationship.
Hypothesis
Based on previous research on the impact of raising a child with ASD on the familial dynamics, it is hypothesized that the diagnosis of a child with ASD will significantly influence the marital relationship. Specifically, it is hypothesized that the diagnosis will lead to increased levels of stress, decreased marital satisfaction, and altered patterns of communication and coping strategies within the couple’s relationship.
Variables and Measurement
1. Diagnosis of a child with ASD: The presence or absence of a formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder will be determined through verified clinical assessments conducted by a qualified and experienced healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician or a child psychologist.
2. Marital relationship: The quality and dynamics of the marital relationship will be assessed using well-established measures such as the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and the Quality of Marriage Index (QMI). These scales will capture various aspects of the relationship, including marital satisfaction, communication patterns, commitment, and conflict resolution skills.
3. Parental stress: The level of stress experienced by parents will be assessed using the Parenting Stress Index (PSI). This measure examines subjective stress related to parenting a child with special needs.
4. Coping strategies: The strategies employed by parents to cope with the challenges associated with raising a child with ASD will be measured using the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS).
Participants and Selection Process
The participants for this study will consist of married or cohabitating parents with a child recently diagnosed with ASD. The research will employ a purposive sampling method to select participants who meet the inclusion criteria, including those who have received a formal diagnosis within the past six months and have not previously participated in any ASD-related research. Additionally, efforts will be made to ensure diversity in terms of socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and geographic location to enhance the generalizability of the findings.
Data Collection
Data will be collected through structured interviews and self-report questionnaires administered to parents. The interviews will allow for in-depth exploration of the experiences and challenges associated with the diagnosis of a child with ASD, while the questionnaires will provide standardized measures of marital satisfaction, parental stress, and coping strategies. Confidentiality and anonymity will be ensured, and participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.
Data Analysis
statistical analyses will be conducted to examine the relationship between the diagnosis of a child with ASD and the marital relationship. Chi-square tests, t-tests, and correlation analyses will be used to explore associations and significance levels of variables. Multiple regression analyses may also be conducted to determine the predictive power of certain variables on marital satisfaction or stress levels.
Conclusion
The present study seeks to investigate the impact of diagnosing a child with ASD on the marital relationship. By exploring the potential changes and challenges faced by parents, this study aims to contribute to the literature by providing a deeper understanding of the effects of an ASD diagnosis on the couple’s relationship. The findings of this study may inform interventions and support programs aimed at improving marital satisfaction and overall well-being for families raising a child with ASD.
