ERIC Number: EJ984977
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Dec
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
Reference Count: 80
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3257
Network Characteristics, Perceived Social Support, and Psychological Adjustment in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Benson, Paul R.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v42 n12 p2597-2610 Dec 2012
This study examined the characteristics of the support networks of 106 mothers of children with ASD and their relationship to perceived social support, depressed mood, and subjective well-being. Using structural equation modeling, two competing sets of hypotheses were assessed: (1) that network characteristics would impact psychological adjustment "directly," and (2) that network effects on adjustment would be "indirect," mediated by perceived social support. Results primarily lent support to the latter hypotheses, with measures of network structure (network size) and function (proportion of network members providing emotional support) predicting increased levels of perceived social support which, in turn, predicted decreased depressed mood and increased well-being. Results also indicated that increased interpersonal strain in the maternal network was directly and indirectly associated with increased maternal depression, while being indirectly linked to reduced well-being. Study limitations and implications are discussed. (Contains 4 tables and 2 figures.)
Descriptors: Depression (Psychology), Autism, Psychology, Social Support Groups, Mothers, Structural Equation Models, Adjustment (to Environment), Psychological Patterns, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Social Networks, Children, Well Being, Hypothesis Testing
Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: N/A

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