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Stress, Coping, and Resiliency Among Families of Individuals with Autism: a Systematic Review

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Abstract

Introduction

The rate of diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is on the rise. Families of individuals with ASD usually face challenges in raising their children. The coping strategies that allow for caregivers to prevail and be resilient in this situation need to be better understood. Thus, this review aimed to compile evidences related to resiliency and coping strategies among families of individuals with ASD.

Methods

We searched several online databases including CINAHL, EBSCO, Embase, and Medline, which yielded 1613 articles. After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 25 studies remained for review.

Results

We found that caregivers use different coping strategies and report different stressors that are influenced by their partners support and resiliency. Positive cognitions can mediate the effects of raising a child with ASD, and the severity of the child’s symptoms is one of the greatest influences on maternal well-being.

Conclusion

The majority of previous studies are cross sectional or descriptive. It is crucial that empirical, longitudinal research establish a cogent picture of parental resiliency. A clearer picture of resiliency will help outline the ways in which parents can increase their well-being and quality of life, and this will support advancing the child resiliency and interventions that might be adopted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Occupational Therapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada

    Parisa Ghanouni & Graham Hood

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  1. Parisa Ghanouni
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  2. Graham Hood
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Correspondence to Parisa Ghanouni.

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Ghanouni, P., Hood, G. Stress, Coping, and Resiliency Among Families of Individuals with Autism: a Systematic Review. Rev J Autism Dev Disord 8, 389–402 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-021-00245-y

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