Level of Frustration Tolerance and Coping Strategies Used By Parents of Children with Autism

Author: Sana Mubashir

Supervisor: Nazia Bashir

Degree: BS

Year: 2009-2013

University: Centre for Clinical Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

The present study examined the level of frustration tolerance and coping strategies used by mothers and fathers of children with Autism. Firstly, it was hypothesized that there is significant difference on levels of frustration tolerance between mothers and fathers of the Autistic children. Secondly, there is significant difference on the use of coping strategies between mothers and fathers of the Autistic children. Thirdly, there is significant relationship between coping strategies and level of frustration tolerance of parents of children with Autism. A sample of 80 parents included 40 mothers and 40 fathers of children with Autism collected from Amin Maktab, Rising Sun, Living Institute for Slow Learner, Autistic Institute of Pakistan and Zubaida Shareef Institute, through non- probability Purposive sampling. For this purposes Low Frustration Tolerance Scale (LFTS) and Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ-R) were used. Inclusion criteria of the present study were parents of children with autism and having no physical/psychological problem with minimum education up to matriculation level. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) 17 version. Descriptive analysis revealed that most of the mothers were house wives, and majority of the parents were having disruptions in their life. Moreover, their child’s problem was causing frustration in them. Independent sample t-test was used. It revealed significant gender difference on the level of frustration tolerance and coping strategies used by the parents of autistic children. Furthermore, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation was applied. It depicts significant relationship of low level of frustration tolerance with Avoidance Focused and Active Distractive coping strategies.

Keywords: Level of Frustration Tolerance, Coping Strategies, Autism.

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