Perceptions of healthy and unhealthy romantic relationships: a comparison of typically developing adolescents and individuals with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Wilding, Lucy 2016. Perceptions of healthy and unhealthy romantic relationships: a comparison of typically developing adolescents and individuals with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). DEdPsy Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be vulnerable to experiencing unhealthy relationships due to specific individual differences, different opportunities and experiences or, in line with an ecological perspective, a combination of both. The purpose of this research was to explore the perceptions of individuals with ASD, with regards to healthy and unhealthy relationships, and to examine the learning sources considered most valuable to them. Participants included 11 adolescents with ASD and a comparison group of 13 typically developing individuals. Participants completed the Attitudes towards Dating Violence Scales (Price et al., 1999) and were interviewed using an adaptation of the Ideal Self technique (Moran, 2001). Thematic analysis indicated a number of similarities between participants. Individuals with ASD, however, were more likely to discuss the following: direct behaviours within unhealthy relationships; concrete rules to guide expectations; a need for sameness; and the influence of formal learning opportunities. Implications for sex and relationship education are discussed and the role of educational psychologists is highlighted.

Item Type:	Thesis (DEdPsy)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Uncontrolled Keywords:	autism spectrum disorder, relationships, dating violence, perceptions, sex and relationship education, educational psychology
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	24 October 2016
Last Modified:	08 Nov 2021 09:44
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/95505

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