Ethics code: IR.QUMS.REC.1402.030
khodaverdian M, Keshavarz S, Shiri E, Hoseini Aghuzbani S M, Asli tabrizi S.
(2026). Comparative Study of Marital Satisfaction and Communication Skills in Parents of Children with Autism and Parents of Typically Developing Children. Journal of Childhood Health and Education. 6(4), doi:10.32598/JECHE.6.4.245.5
URL: http://jeche.ir/article-1-337-en.html
1- Faculty of Social Sciences, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran
2- Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Guilan University, Rasht, Iran
Abstract: (167 Views)
Background and Aim: Families raising a child with autism spectrum disorder encounter distinct demands, including substantial caregiving responsibilities, considerable treatment-related expenses, and heightened levels of parental tension and stress. Because these factors can shape parents’ marital satisfaction and communication skills, and given the limited empirical attention to this issue, the present study aimed to compare marital satisfaction and communication skills in parents of children with autism and parents of typically developing children.
Research Method: This study used a causal-comparative design. The statistical population comprised parents of children diagnosed with autism who were receiving services at the Sina Autism Center in Qazvin. Using convenience sampling, 44 parents of children with autism (22 mothers and 22 fathers) were compared with 44 parents of typically developing children (22 mothers and 22 fathers). Participants completed the Hudson' Marital Satisfaction Scale (1992) and the Queendom Communication Skills Scale (2004). Data analysis included covariance analysis and multivariate covariance analysis, and Shapiro-Wilk and Levene’s tests were used to evaluate statistical assumptions.
Results: The findings showed significant differences in marital satisfaction and communication skills between parents of children with autism and parents of typically developing children.
Discussion: The stresses associated with raising a child with autism correspond with lower marital satisfaction and diminished parental communication skills. Strengthening marital satisfaction and communication skills in parents of children with autism should be considered a priority in therapeutic and supportive interventions.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
Special Received: 2025/04/29 | Accepted: 2026/01/3 | Published: 2026/01/3