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Parental Self-Efficacy and Positive Contributions Regarding Autism Spectrum Condition: An Actor–Partner Interdependence Model

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Abstract

Couples affect each other cognitively, emotionally and behaviorally. The goal of this study is to test the benefits and potential use of the actor–partner interdependence model in examining how parental self-efficacy and positive contributions of fathers and mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Condition influence each other’s psychological adaptation. The sample includes 76 Spanish couples who completed validated questionnaires measuring predictors, i.e., self-efficacy and positive contributions, and adaptation outcomes i.e., stress, anxiety, depression and psychological well-being. Multilevel analysis revealed many actor and some partner effects of parental self-efficacy and positive contributions to be important determinants of adaptation above and beyond child and sociodemographic factors, and as such, these effects should be targeted in clinical intervention programs.

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Acknowledgments

We are extremely grateful to all the families who generously participated in this study, as well as to the Learning Disabilities Unit at Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Parent and Professional Associations of Autism and the education centers who took part in this research, for facilitating the recruitment process.

Author Contributions

Every author of the manuscript has made substantial contributions to all of the following aspects of the work: conception and design, analysis and interpretation of the data, drafting and critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content, and approval of the final submitted version of the manuscript.

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  1. Faculty of Psychology, UNED: National University of Distance Education, Madrid, Spain

    Cristina García-López, Encarnación Sarriá & Pilar Pozo

  2. Learning Disabilities Unit (UTAE), Neuropediatrics Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain

    Cristina García-López

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  1. Cristina García-López
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  2. Encarnación Sarriá
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Correspondence to Cristina García-López.

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This study was approved by the Bioethics Committee for Research of the National University of Distance Education (UNED). Written informed consent was obtained from both parents, and participants were guaranteed anonymity and confidentiality.

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García-López, C., Sarriá, E. & Pozo, P. Parental Self-Efficacy and Positive Contributions Regarding Autism Spectrum Condition: An Actor–Partner Interdependence Model. J Autism Dev Disord 46, 2385–2398 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2771-z

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