Relational Turbulence and Perceptions of Social Network Support for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

A wealth of research indicates that social support positively influences parental and family well-being in families of children with disabilities; however, not all supportive efforts are positively received. This study employs the framework of relational turbulence theory to examine evaluations of social support from social network members among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In a cross-sectional survey, ninety-four parents of children with ASD (47 heterosexual couples) reported a social network member to whom they disclose issues regarding their marriage and evaluated that network member’s support for their marriage and their parenting. Results of actor-only interdependence modeling demonstrated significant negative associations between husbands’ reported experience of relational turbulence and perceptions of the social network member as helpful with regard to their marriage and parenting their child with ASD. Wives’ relational turbulence was negatively correlated with their perception of the social network member’s parenting support, but not relationship support.