ปัจจัยเชิงเหตุทางพุทธศาสนาและปัจจัยด้านสถานการณ์ที่มีความสัมพันธ์กับพฤติกรรมการดูแลเด็กออทิสติกของผู้ปกครอง: กรณีศึกษา สถาบันราชานุกูล

Abstract

Causal Factors of Buddhism and The Contingency Factors Related with The Parenting Behavior in Autistic Children:  A Case Study of Rajanukul InstituteAbstract This research aims to study the causal factors of Buddhism and the contingency factors related to parenting behavior towards autistic children. The samples consisted of 84 parents who are Theravada Buddhist and have autistic children (aged from newborn to 18 years old) who have been diagnosed with autism by a pediatrician or child psychiatrist according to DSM-IV criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, 4th ED). The tools used in this study were: the test of the causal factors of Buddhism, the test on peer social support, the test on perception of information about autism, the test of stress in parenting and the test on parenting behavior in autistic children. The reliability was found by using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient equal to .82 .85 .70 .93 and .93 respectively, and by interviewing parents on Buddhist lessons related to parenting behavior. The data were analyzed by statistics, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson Multiple Correlation Coefficient, stepwise multiple regression, and content analysis. The study found that the factors influencing perception of information about autism were positively correlated with the parenting behavior towards autistic children and were statistically significant (r = .62, p< .01). The causal factors of Buddhism related to living in the Buddhist way were also positively correlated with the parenting behavior towards autistic children and were also statistically significant (r = .50, p< .01). When parents get information about autism and incorporate Buddhist lessons related to childcare into their daily lives, parents will understand the reality of life and improve their parenting behavior towards autistic children. Recommendations arising from this study are that medical personnel should disseminate proper knowledge of autism and parents of children with autism should apply Buddhist principles in their daily life.   Keywords: Buddhism, perception of information, Parenting behavior, Autistic children