Effectiveness of Training of Relationship Enhancement on Marital Intimacy of Couples with Autistic Children

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder pose a serious problem for family members. Therefore, interventions that help to improve this situation are necessary. The aim of this study has been to determine the effectiveness of relationship improvement education on marital intimacy of couples with children with autism spectrum disorder. Method: The research is quasi-experimental with pre-test-post-test design with control group. 28 couples were selected by available sampling method from couples with children with autism spectrum disorder in Sanandah city in 1400 (2021), and randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The relationship improvement training program was implemented in 8 sessions on the experimental group while the control group did not receive any intervention. Walker Marital Intimacy Questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: The results of univariate analysis of covariance showed that relationship improvement training is effective on marital intimacy of couples with children with autism spectrum disorder. Conclusion: Relationship improvement training leads to better family relationships.