Abstract
Spouses of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may struggle with self-stigma and may require attention and care; however, no scale exists to measure the stigma of spouses of persons with ASD. This study created and investigated the construct validity of the Couples Stigma Scale. This scale consists of 14 items and it was designed based on prior literature, interviews, and the self-stigma theory to assess the self-stigma experienced by spouses of people with ASD. A survey was conducted with spouses of persons with ASD who participated in a self-help group. Responses were obtained from 259 people, of which 253 women were included in the analysis. Exploratory factor analysis was performed separately with two independent groups, indicating a four-factor structure, to determine structural validity. The factor loadings of the items constituting the four factors were 0.39 or greater. Regarding external validity, the correlation coefficient between the Couples Stigma Scale and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) score was −0.341 (p < 0.001), and the domain correlation coefficient was significant for all relevant WHOQOL domains. Our results suggest that the Japanese version of the Couples Stigma Scale is a valid instrument for assessing self-stigma in the spouses of persons with ASD.
Highlights
Spouses of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may struggle with self-stigma and may require attention and care; no scale exists to measure the stigma of spouses of persons with ASD
Research has focused on the self-stigma of families of persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and this issue of self-stigma for those whose spouses have ASD is an urgent topic for study in Japan
Spouses of persons with ASD report discomfort and struggles with loneliness after marriage. They describe misunderstandings with others that lead to social exclusion, feelings of being misunderstood, and experiences, such as “being blamed for not living up to the spouse’s role”. Such experiences of the loss of spousal identity and connection with others [12] may be interpreted as stigmatization, yet no measures currently exist for assessing the self-stigma of persons with a spouse with ASD
Summary
Spouses of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may struggle with self-stigma and may require attention and care; no scale exists to measure the stigma of spouses of persons with ASD. Spouses of persons with ASD report discomfort and struggles with loneliness after marriage They describe misunderstandings with others that lead to social exclusion, feelings of being misunderstood, and experiences, such as “being blamed for not living up to the spouse’s role”. Such experiences of the loss of spousal identity and connection with others [12] may be interpreted as stigmatization, yet no measures currently exist for assessing the self-stigma of persons with a spouse with ASD.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
