The Psychometric Properties of the Family Relationship Hope Scale with Parents and Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

With the rise in prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children, additional resources for mental health professionals to support the caregivers and families are necessary. The present study examined the psychometric properties of a brief, systems-oriented, strength-based assessment, the Family Relationship Hope Scale (FRHS), with parents and caregivers of children with ASD (n = 196). The FRHS is a four item, self-administered survey that examines the hopefulness a person has towards their family's ability to overcome life's challenges together. We conducted both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to assess factor structure of the assessment. Results supported the FRHS as a single factor structure with good model fit and internal consistency. The use of the FRHS could be beneficial for clinicians who work with families to focus on their areas of strength (e.g., hope) rather than deficits (e.g., stress, depression).

Stress and Perceived Partnership Quality of Parents to Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Approach

“…Based on these empirical results, new structures can be developed to support families of children to ASD holistically and centrally by the state by creating and funding new family therapeutic services. However, it is important to also note that parents to children with ASD develop substantial strengths from their parenting such as resilience or hope, and experience enrichment in their lives through their child with ASD (Bayat, 2007; Kozachuk et al, 2022; Phelps et al, 2009). Therefore, in both practice and research, apart from focusing on challenges to parenthood, a focus on resources is imperative to fully map the needs of parents to children with ASD.…”