SFBCT for Couples Raising a Child with Autism: A Grounded Theory Study

ABSTRACT

Raising a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can have negative effects on the parents’ emotional wellbeing, along with their marital relationship. Although there is some information on the treatment of parents, there is a lack of research investigating how the process of change occurs during couples therapy. The current study interviewed five couples, raising a child with ASD, who received Solution-Focused Brief Couples Therapy (SFBCT). A grounded theory approach was used to understand the process of change for couples receiving six sessions of SFBCT. Through the use of constructivist-grounded theory methodology (GTM), a theory was constructed on the experience of change perceived by participants. The results indicate the importance of both the therapists’ and clients’ process of change during therapy.

KEYWORDS:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• grounded theory
• solution-focused brief therapy
• couples therapy