Enhancing sense of belonging in parents of adolescents with ASD: Design and assessment of a support grouop experience
Title | Enhancing sense of belonging in parents of adolescents with ASD: Design and assessment of a support grouop experience |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2019 |
Authors | Ghedin E, Aquario D, Visentin S, Zorzi E |
Journal | Interdisciplinary Journal of Family Studies |
Volume | 24 |
Issue | 1 |
Pagination | 1-19 |
Date Published | 06/2019 |
Publisher | Padova University Press |
Place Published | Padova, IT |
Keywords | ASD, belonging, empowerment, good practices, parent support group |
Abstract | Despite the large amount of research indicating that parenting adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is extremely stressful, little research has examined methods for supporting these families with positive thoughts. Parent support groups (PSGs) are one way to help parents cope with their stress, meet other parents and develop a sense of belonging. Previous literature has shown that such parents feel more knowledgeable, accepted and empowered when they are able to share their successes and struggles with parents who are in similar situations. The present study aimed to explore whether involvement in a PSG contributes to parents’ sense of belonging by creating a locus in which they can feel positive emotions and thoughts. |