Influence of religiosity on coping stress and marital relationship of parents raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Pakistan

Abstract

Parents in Pakistan are under stress by challenges of raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study aimed to find if there is a mean difference in stress, religiosity and marital satisfaction of parents of children raising children with ASD and find if stress and religiosity predicted marital relationship/satisfaction between these parents. Using cultural and developmental theories of Lazarus and Folkman's theory of stress and coping (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984); and Pargament's religious coping theory (Pargament, 1997) as the theoretical framework, the study examined how stress and religiosity in parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder affect their marital relationship. This research focused on parents who are living in Pakistan and practice religion as a coping mechanism for the issues in their lives. Based on literature review there is no significant study in this regard. An online survey was conducted in five ASD centers in five major cites of Pakistan. Results from the survey indicated that stress effected fathers more than mothers, yet fathers believed more in religiosity and were more satisfied in their marital relationship than mothers were.