Graduation Year
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
M.S.
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.)
Degree Granting Department
Child and Family Studies
Major Professor
Sarah Bloom, BCBA, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Kwang-Sun Blair, BCBA, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Kimberly Crosland, BCBA, Ph.D.
Keywords
Parenting Stress Index-fourth edition-Short Form, Parenting Stress Scale, self-care, stress
Abstract
The rate of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing each year (CDC, 2022). Although the severity of symptoms is specific to individuals, the families of those diagnosed are often also affected in a variety of ways. Caregivers of children with ASD experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on caregiver stress and procedural fidelity. Three caregivers of children with ASD were trained using an ACT curriculum and caregiver stress was measured using two self-report scales, before and after six ACT training sessions. Procedural fidelity was measured by correct performance of a task analysis to be used during a routine task, and by examining positive versus negative interactions with their child, which was evaluated before, during, and after ACT training. Results show a decrease in caregiver stress post-implementation of the ACT training and an increase in some aspects of procedural fidelity during caregiver implementation of a specified routine task.
Scholar Commons Citation
Marsh, Casey K., "Implementing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Reduce Caregiver Stress and Enhance Procedural Fidelity for Families Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder" (2024). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/10648
