| The purpose of this study was to examine the ways in which trait forgivingness and trait empathy might influence coping styles in families of children with autism in dealing with perceived hurts specifically related to their child with autism resulting in forgiveness. In a theoretical model that examined the influences of traits, states, coping, and finally degree of hurt, it was found that trait forgivingness and trait anger, R 2 = .18, p < 0.01, and emotional coping, R2 change = .09, p < 0.05, were all important factors in predicting current levels of forgiveness of a specific hurt. Additionally, emotional coping and degree of disability predicted significant changes in forgiveness since the hurt, R 2 change = .11, p < 0.05. It was also found that seeking spiritual support predicted scored on forgiveness, R2 change = .03, p < 0.05, and for those high in religious commitment, those high in seeking spiritual support had higher forgiveness than those low in seeking spiritual support, R2 change = .03, p < 0.05. These finding provide important implications for support groups and interventions for parents of children with autism to address issues specific to more effectively learning to utilize emotional coping mechanism. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
