Role of family cohesion in influencing the vocational identity status of emerging adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between family cohesion and vocational identity among emerging adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Family Cohesion was measured using the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale (FACES IV) and Vocational Identity was measured using the Vocational Identity Scale (VIS) of My Vocational Situation (MVS). The data were collected using survey method. N=42 participants completed online surveys, and data collected from survey method were analyzed using Pearson Correlations. The findings indicated a correlation between family cohesion and the vocational identity of emerging adults with ASD. The findings also supported a relationship between disengaged family cohesion and the vocational identity of emerging adults with ASD. While the findings did not support a relationship between overall family cohesion and the vocational identity of emerging adults with ASD, the findings provided some support for more research to explore how family cohesion is related to vocational identity, career development and the overall occupational success of emerging adults with ASD.