Effectiveness of parenting skill, stress management, and self- efficacy in parents group of children with Asperger syndrome

• Main Authors: Pei Hsuan Lee, 李佩璇
• Other Authors: R. J. Shiau
• Format: Others
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/66013504117693935195

碩士 === 長庚大學 === 職能治療學系 === 100 === As one of the pervasive developmental disorder, Asperger syndrome is characterized by social interaction difficulties. Parents suffer from much stress due to the symptom and behavioral problem of their children with Asperger syndrome. There are many training programs mainly hold for the parents whose children have autistic spectrum disorder. These training programs are developed to reduce parenting stress and enhance the self-efficacy of the parents. However, there are less training programs for parents whos children with Asperger syndrome. The intervention of this study was to hold group training program for the parents whose children with Asperger syndrome. We used convenience sampling to recruit cases of the experimental group and control group. The group training program was included 10-week session (60 minutes per session). In order to share their experience and information, we also hold an internet group. There were total 16 parents recruited in the experimental group. A pretest- posttest design was used to compare the performance between two groups. The pretest- posttest measurement tools included: Parenting Stress Index/ Short Form, stress coping scale, social support scale, self-efficacy scale, WHOQOL- BREF, home situation questionnaire and school situation questionnaire. The group therapeutic factor scale to the experimental group was measured at posttest. Nonparametric statistical test was used to analysis the data. The results partially support this parent group training program. The pretest- posttest comparison showed a significant improvement in parenting stress, parent distress, difficult child, and emotional support and behavioral problems of their children were reduced. The score changes in the control group were not significant on above measurements. However, the score changes in the experimental group on stress coping, self- efficacy, information support, instrument support, quality of life, and school situation questionnaire were not significant. The decreased score in the control group on positive self- efficacy and interpersonal relationship of localized quality of life were also noted. The experimental group experience seven therapeutic factors (existential factors, instillation of hope, altruism, self-understanding, imitative behavior, universality, and catharsis) during parent group. The parenting stress can be reduced by getting more knowledge and skills about Asperger syndrome from parent group training program. Besides, the parents of the experimental group get more emotional support from the interaction with other members and the therapist. The finding in this study partially supports the parent group. Further studies are needed to clarify the maintaining effects of the parent group.