(1-3) Correlates of sense making and benefit finding. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 25, 245–264 Flashcards
What is Benefit finding?
A way to cognitively reframe their circumstances into a positive light - look at their situation in a different way that helps to alleviate their feelings of blame, guilt and lack of control
What is Sense making?
Things happen to us for a reason, finding meaning in adversity
Which factor of the Double ABCX model was most closely related to benefit finding and sense making in this study?
Double C Factor - (cC) (Family’s Perception)
“The cognitive processes involved in changes families make to their definition of the situation(e.g., appraisal, self-efficacy and meaning making)” ( Pakenham, Sofronoff & Samios, 2004).
How were the parents recruited into the study and what were the eligibility criteria?
Asperger Syndrome support group newsletter
Media outreach
Criteria – pediatrician’s diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome and between the ages of 10 and 12
What was the most common form of benefit finding for parents with a child with Asperger Syndrome (AS)?
Positive personality change
73% (32) For example, ‘‘Increased tolerance for people and learned to be more accepting of people who they are with all of their differences’’; ‘‘I have developed an increased tolerance, broader thinking, less concern of what others think and more independence’’.
How did parents make sense of the situation?
Understanding Asperger’s Syndrome
41% (17) For example, ‘‘Getting information through reading, and attending conferences and workshops’’
What role does social support play for these families?
Parents who reported that they had made sense of their situation also reported higher levels of satisfaction with their social support
Larger social network size was related to parents finding benefits in their situation
Actively seeking out and then using social supports helps parents to find the benefits and also to make sense of their situation
In the future, what interventions for families with children with AS could be put in place based on the results of this study?
Cognitive restructuring
Increasing parental knowledge of Asperger’s Syndrome
Utilize the knowledge of parents who have found benefits and meaning in parenting a child with AS
