Applying the Vulnerability Stress Adaptation Model of Marriage to Couples Raising an Autistic Child: A Call for Research on Adaptive Processes

Parents of children on the autism spectrum are particularly susceptible to strain in their romantic relationships due to unique risk factors. While some relationships deteriorate, however, others endure and thrive. The Vulnerability Stress Adaptation (VSA) Model of Marriage (Karney & Bradbury, 1995; Fig. 1) offers a framework to explain, not only poor marital outcomes, but also the process by which degradation of relationships occurs over time. The VSA Model posits that a combination of internal (within-person) vulnerabilities and external stressors influence relationship quality and, in turn, stability, by affecting couples\u27 abilities to collaborate to adapt to stressors and solve problems (i.e., adaptive processes). With robust theoretical grounding, this review comprehensively summarizes and integrates literature pertaining to the romantic relationships of couples raising an autistic child through the lens of the VSA Model. Vulnerabilities, stressors, and adaptive processes relevant to these couples are identified, and empirical evidence pertaining to the proposed pathways in the VSA Model is explored. The body of research reviewed provides support for many of the proposed pathways in the VSA Model, especially related to certain stressors (i.e., child behavior problems) and vulnerabilities (i.e., parent depression), yet it falls short in exploring mechanisms by which these factors beget marital dysfunction (i.e., through adaptive processes). Additional gaps and methodological limitations in the literature are highlighted, and recommendations for future research are provided

Applying the Vulnerability Stress Adaptation Model to Romantic Relationships of Couples Raising a Child with ASD

Cross-sectional evidence indicates that raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with strain on caregivers’ romantic couple relationship, yet many couple relationships thrive (Hock et al., 2012; Markoulakis et al., 2012). Research on general population samples highlights changes in couple romantic relationships across short and longer periods of time (e.g., Karney & Bradbury, 1997); little is known, however, about how the relationships of couples raising a child with ASD unfold and which couples are at greater risk for deterioration than others. According to the Vulnerability Stress Adaptation (VSA) Model, couple romantic relationships are directly shaped by how couples work together to solve problems (i.e., adaptive processes); vulnerabilities brought into the relationship and stressors faced by each partner impact adaptive processes. In the present study, longitudinal growth curve models examined changes (four time points across three years) in observed problem-solving interactions among 189 couples (378 parents) raising a child (aged 5-12) with ASD. Each partner completed questionnaires assessing the broader autism phenotype (BAP; vulnerability) as well as their own parenting stress and their child’s ASD symptoms and emotional and behavioral problems (i.e., stressors) at the first time point. Results revealed declines, on average, in the responsiveness of partners (Sensitivity), ability to work together (Cooperation) to come to a satisfying resolution (Conflict Resolution), and positivity (Enjoyment). Composite scores (Solution Focused Reciprocity and Positive Togetherness) also demonstrated declines across time. The sharing of the interaction (Balance), partner-directed behaviors (Engagement), and hostility (Irritation) remained stable. Growth mixture modeling revealed no unique subgroups of couples. Stressors were not significant predictors of the intercept or slope of Solution Focused Reciprocity and Positive Togetherness. Couples with higher Father BAP demonstrated steeper declines in couple adaptive processes over time, especially in the context of low initial levels of mother-reported stress. Mother BAP, however, appeared to be protective against declines in Positive Teamwork in the context of a high initial level of father-reported stress. Findings highlight areas of strength and weaknesses that can be leveraged or supported to promote healthy and long-lasting couple relationships, and in turn, well-adjusted families