Dimensions of Couples’ Relationship Functioning That Predict Mental Health
Romantic relationships significantly impact mental health, with high-quality relationships linked to greater life satisfaction and fewer depressive symptoms. However, poor relationship quality—particularly marked by unresolved conflict—can increase the risk of depression in both men and women.
Couples raising autistic children face unique stressors that may affect both relationship quality and mental health, yet they are underrepresented in research. One study found these couples report lower relationship satisfaction than those raising non-autistic or differently disabled children, highlighting the need for focused research.
Using an MRI Grant, Drs. Chrystyna Kouros and Naomi Ekas of Southern Methodist University studied 221 U.S. couples (111 with non-autistic children, 110 with autistic children). They assessed relationship functioning through surveys and Zoom-based observational tasks, examining predictors of depressive symptoms and validating the Lewis Scales, a tool for coding relationship interactions.
Study Aims:
Compare relationship functioning across both types of couples.
Identify which relationship dimensions predict depressive symptoms—and whether these links differ by child neurotype.
Evaluate the reliability and validity of the Lewis Scales.
Preliminary findings showed no significant differences between the two groups in satisfaction, intimacy, conflict, or attachment—except for power dynamics. Wives in both groups, especially those with autistic children, reported higher perceived power, likely due to their central role in caregiving and therapy management.
Early results support the Lewis Scales’ reliability and validity, showing strong convergence with an established coding system. Final analyses (Aim 1b) are ongoing.
Presented at the 2024 Society for Research on Adolescence, this research advances understanding of how romantic relationship factors affect mental health, particularly for couples raising autistic children, and offers insights for targeted clinical interventions. In addition, this research will inform clinicians on which specific thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to target in preventive interventions, as well as in couples therapy, to promote healthy relationship functioning and mental health.