Study on Relationship Between Family Cohesion and Adaptability, and Quality of Life of Caregivers of Children with ASD

Abstract

The present study aimed at exploring the status of family cohesion, adaptability and quality of life of caregivers of children with ASD, as well as the relationship between family cohesion and adaptability, and quality of life. One hundred and sixty-three caregivers of children with ASD from Sichuan province in China were investigated by the Chinese vision of Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale and Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale. The results showed that: (1) The score on family cohesion of caregivers of children with ASD was higher than the national norm, and the score on family adaptability was lower than the national norm; (2) The satisfaction of quality of life was between general level and satisfactory level, and the score on satisfaction in each dimension from high to low was Family Interaction, Parenting, Disability-Related Support, Emotional Well-Being and Physical/Material Well-Being; (3) Family cohesion and quality of life were significantly correlated, and adaptability and quality of life were also significantly correlated; (4) Caregivers with higher family cohesion and adaptability showed higher quality of life than the caregivers with lower family cohesion and adaptability; (5) Family cohesion and adaptability had a positive impact on quality of life.