Relationship Equity: A Component of Stress and Its' Connection to Marital Outcomes among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

This mixed method study seeks to explore the stressful relationships of biological parents of children who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The potential causality of parental stress is explored from the perceptions of equity in the caregiving role of each parent. Specifically, this study explores a possible connection in equity levels and the couple's relational satisfaction. With a mixed methods approach, quantitative data were collected through an online survey of parents (205) in Eastern North Carolina and a qualitative sample of four face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted in the study. We found that 66% from the quantitative and 100% of parents from the qualitative reported inequity in their care giving roles. Overall, parents who were not living with the other biological parent experienced the most significant connection between inequity and happiness levels. Since this study was simply exploratory we suggest that future research further explains this possible connection that was found.