Dyadic Coping and Relationship Satisfaction among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Bangladesh: A Cross- Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exposes parents to persistent caregiving, financial, and social stressors that may undermine couple functioning and marital well-being. Dyadic coping how partners manage stress together has been identified as an important correlate of relationship satisfaction, yet evidence from Bangladesh remains limited. Aim: This study aimed to find out the relationship between dyadic coping and relationship satisfaction among parents raising children diagnosed with ASD in Bangladesh. Objectives: (i) To see sociodemographic characteristics among parents of children diagnosed with ASD.; (ii) To measure the level of dyadic coping among the parents with ASD Child.; (iii) To evaluate the relationship satisfaction levels among parents with ASD Child.; (iv) To identify the correlation between dyadic coping and relationship satisfaction. and (v) To identify the association between dyadic coping, relationship satisfaction and socio demographic information. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) and autism rehabilitation centers in Dhaka and Savar from January to November 2025. Data were collected from 358 participants (167 fathers and 191 mothers) using purposive sampling. Dyadic coping and relationship satisfaction were measured using the Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI) and Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS). Descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, and logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS (version 26). Results: Most fathers (68.3%) and mothers (72.3%) reported good dyadic coping. Dyadic coping demonstrated significant positive correlations with relationship satisfaction for both fathers (r = 0.718) and mothers (r = 0.727), with statistical significance at P < .01. In regression analyses, dyadic coping remained a significant predictor of relationship satisfaction after controlling for sociodemographic variables, with education, income, and shared caregiving responsibilities emerging as key predictors of better coping and higher satisfaction. Conclusion: Dyadic coping plays a central role in strengthening relationship satisfaction among parents raising children with ASD in Bangladesh. Promoting shared coping, supportive communication, and balanced caregiving may enhance marital resilience. These findings support the relevance of the Systemic Transactional Model in the Bangladeshi context and highlight the importance of culturally adapted, family centered interventions within occupational therapy to improve family well-being and child related outcomes. Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); dyadic coping; relationship satisfaction; occupational therapy; family resilience; Bangladesh.