title: The double ABCX model of adaptation in racially diverse families with a school-age child with autism.
abstract: In this study, the Double ABCX model of family adaptation was used to explore the impact of severity of autism symptoms, behavior problems, social support, religious coping, and reframing, on outcomes related to family functioning and parental distress. The sample included self-report measures collected from 195 families raising school-age children with autism from racially diverse backgrounds throughout the United States. Hierarchical regression results revealed that the Double ABCX model of family adaptation accounted for a substantial amount of the variance in family functioning (28%) and parental distress (46%). Findings suggest that child behavior problems and reframing are most strongly associated with family outcomes. Clinical implications for working with these families, including the use of strength-based approaches, are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02452, USA. Margaret.manning@umassmed.edu
authors.forename: Margaret M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Manning
authors.forename: Laurel
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wainwright
authors.forename: Jillian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bennett
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires