Social Inhibition and Depressive Symptoms among Couples with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Mediating Role of Perceived Family Support.

Background and Objectives: A limited understanding exists regarding the intricate dynamics between the levels of social inhibition exhibited by both wives and husbands concerning their perceived family support and depressive symptoms, particularly within couples who are parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Materials and Methods: This study used the actor-partner interdependence mediation model to analyze data collected from 397 pairs of Chinese parents with children diagnosed with ASD. Results: The findings of the study revealed significant indirect actor effects, indicating that the levels of social inhibition exhibited by both wives and husbands were associated with their own depressive symptoms through their respective perceptions of family support. In general, the study did not find significant partner effects, except for some indirect effects of wives on their husbands' depressive symptoms through the wives' perceived social support. Conclusions: In line with related studies, social inhibition was associated with depressive symptoms. At the same time, perceived family support could be a mediator of depression. Gender differences in emotional expression, influenced by cultural norms and distinct role expectations within the family context, may elucidate why only wives' perceived family support could impact husbands' depressive symptoms. These results underscore the potential importance of interventions aimed at addressing social inhibition and enhancing perceived family support to alleviate depressive symptoms in this population. Additionally, encouraging family support for both wives and husbands' involvement in collaboration may be of benefit in improved outcomes for both parents and children within families affected by ASD.

Marital Satisfaction and Perceived Family Support in Families of Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: Dyadic Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) causes tremendous stress for parents that may lead to marital conflict and relationship dissatisfaction. Many factors are associated with parent relationships including severity of autistic behaviors and social support. This study aimed to investigate whether severity of autistic behaviors, perceived family support, and complementarity of interpersonal styles between husbands and wives predicted couple satisfaction among the parents of children with ASD. METHOD: Seven hundred ninety-seven parent dyads of children aged 7-14 years old with ASD participated in the study. Measurements used included couple satisfaction index, perceived family support using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, inter-personal style using the inventory of interpersonal problems, the ABC autism checklists as well as sociodemographic and related factors. The Actor Partner Interdependence Model estimated by multilevel modeling was used for analysis. RESULTS: Perceived family support was relevant in married couples regarding their marital relationship, but the effects on husbands and wives differed. Husbands' relationship satisfaction was predicted by how they perceived being supported by family. The severity of autistic behaviors predicted relationship satisfaction but only actor effect. Negative prediction of interpersonal complementarity on couple satisfaction was observed. In addition, time spent on raising children had a negative impact on the quality of the relationship. Partner effect of time spent was observed among women. CONCLUSION: Dyadic analysis using an actor-partner independence model confirmed perception of family support predicts relationship satisfaction among parents of children with ASD in addition to the severity of autistic behaviors and time spent caring for children. Complementarity of individual interpersonal style had no effect on couple satisfaction. This research suggests implications for interventions regarding building skills that elicit support from family members.