The perceived social support and its relationship between occupational balance and family functioning in rehabilitation among Turkish parents of pre-school children with autism

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between perceived social support, occupational balance and family functionality in rehabilitation parents of children with autism. The sample of this cross-sectional study, in which descriptive correlational data analysis was used, consists of 138 parents reached by the easily accessible sampling method. Data collection tools in the study were the Turkish version of Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Turkish version of Occupational Balance Questionnaire and the Turkish Family Functioning Questionnaire in Rehabilitation. Pearson Correlation Coefficient Analysis and Spearman Correlation Analysis were used. The relationships between the perceived social support with occupational balance and family functionality in the rehabilitation of parents were examined. The parents received social support from the significant other, the family member and the friend, respectively. They thought they had no occupational balance and their family functionality in rehabilitation was good. In addition, perceived social support had a relationship with occupational balance, as well as family functionality in rehabilitation. Future studies could examine these relationships in parents of individuals with autism in different age groups or children with different special needs. Furthermore, the examination of occupational balance and participation of parents is recommended.