Structural Equation Model of Variables Associated with Family Functioning among a Nationally Representative Sample of Families with a Child with Autism

• Main Author: Bezner, Stephanie K.
• Other Authors: Sewell, Kenneth W.
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Texas 2009
• Subjects: Autism; structural equation model; family functioning; Families > Mental health.; Autistic children > Family relationships.; Stress (Psychology)
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc11059/

Previous research indicates that stressors experienced by a family, the perceived level of burden assigned by the family to the stressor, and the utilization of resources predict family functioning. The current study utilized a nationally representative sample of families of children with autistic disorder to determine if previously proposed models of family functioning accurately conceptualized family functioning within a representative sample. Structural equation modeling was utilized to test the double ABCX and the linear ACBX models of family functioning. With slight modifications, the double ABCX model was supported, thus indicating that pileup of stressors, perception of burden, and utilization of resources each have unique predictive ability for family functioning, with perception of burden demonstrating the highest amount of predictive ability. Results, implications, and limitations of the study are discussed.