The Correlation between Mothers’ Tolerance of Distress and Marital Adjustment and Behavioral Disorders in Children with Autism

Background: Given the profound effects of children’s behavioral disorders, particularly in children with autism, on families, the present study aimed to explore the association between mothers’ distress tolerance and marital adjustment and behavioral disorders (BD) in children with autism in Ahvaz, Iran.Methods: This descriptive-correlational study included all children with autism and their mothers registered at the Autism Association of Ahvaz, Iran in 2023. A total of 262 participants were recruited using a convenience sampling approach. Data were collected using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS), and Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). Data were subjected to Pearson’s correlation analysis and stepwise regression analysis using SPSS version 27.Results: The mean scores for child behavioral disorders, tolerance of distress, and marital adjustment were 34.95 (±8.14), 45.29 (±9.86), and 80.23 (±19.15), respectively. Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated a significant inverse relationship between children’s BD and mothers’ tolerance of distress (r=-0.36, P<0.001) and marital adjustment (r=-0.60, P<0.001). Additionally, a significant positive correlation was found between mothers’ tolerance of distress and marital adjustment (r=0.39, P<0.001).Conclusions: The results indicated that mothers’ tolerance of distress and marital adjustment are crucial in alleviating BD in children with autism. Interventions aimed at enhancing mothers’ coping skills and marital satisfaction may be beneficial in improving children’s behavioral outcomes.