title: The Power of Positivity: Predictors of Relationship Satisfaction for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
abstract: The current study uses the actor-partner interdependence model to examine the predictors of relationship satisfaction for mothers and fathers of children with autism spectrum disorder. Sixty-seven couples completed measures of optimism, benefit finding, coping strategies, social support, and relationship satisfaction. Results indicated that parent's positive strengths predicted better personal relationship satisfaction. Moreover, parents' benefit finding, use of emotional support, and perceived social support from their partner also predicted their partner's relationship satisfaction. The results of this study highlight the importance of focusing on positive factors that can enhance relationship quality. Implications for the development of parent-focused interventions are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, TCU Box 298920, Fort Worth, TX, 76129, USA, naomi.ekas@tcu.edu.
authors.forename: Naomi V
authors.initials: NV
authors.lastname: Ekas
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Timmons
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pruitt
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ghilain
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alessandri
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D005195:Family Relations / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000067656:Optimism; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support