Sense of coherence in parents of children with different developmental disabilities.
Low sense of coherence predicts depression in parents of kids with ID or autism, so screen for it and boost meaning-making and support.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Ewing et al. (2002) sent surveys to parents of children with intellectual disability or autism. They asked about sense of coherence, a feeling that life is understandable and manageable. They also asked about depression symptoms.
The study compared these parents to parents of typically developing children. No treatment was given; it was a one-time survey.
What they found
Parents of kids with ID or autism scored lower on sense of coherence. They also reported more depression than control parents.
Low sense of coherence and high depression went together in this group.
How this fits with other research
Pakenham et al. (2004) extends the story. They found that parents who make personal meaning out of raising a child with Asperger syndrome feel more social support and use better coping. This points to a path from meaning-making to wellness, not just risk.
Uzdil et al. (2026) used newer statistics to test the same link. Their model shows family sense of coherence predicts better coping and role performance, backing up the 2002 warning with harder numbers.
Ang et al. (2019) looked at mothers only. They saw that stronger maternal coherence was tied to warmer, more available parenting during play. This turns the survey result into something you can watch in real life.
Why it matters
Screen sense of coherence at intake. A low score flags parents who may need extra support before stress turns into depression. Add brief questions about meaning-making and social support; these later studies show they can lift coherence and coping. Use the free Antonovsky scale or simply ask, "Do you feel life makes sense most days?" If the answer is no, offer parent support groups, ACT skills, or couple coping training right away.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to test if Antonovsky's theory of sense of coherence can facilitate understanding: (1). individual differences in psychological adaptation in parents of children with intellectual disability (ID); and (2). why parents of children with ID generally experience higher levels of stress and depression than parents of children who develop normally. METHODS: Sense of coherence (SoC) and depression were assessed using the short SoC scale (13 items) and the Beck Depression Inventory in 216 families of children with ID and/or autism, and in 213 control families. RESULTS: It is argued that: (1). parents of children with ID with low SoC are at increased risk for developing depression compared to control parents with low SoC not experiencing this stressor; and (2). the life situation of parenting a child with ID may have a negative impact on parents' SoC levels that, in turn, will make them more vulnerable to experiencing stress and depression. CONCLUSION: The SoC theory is valuable in understanding individual differences in psychological adaptation in parents of children with ID.
Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDR, 2002 · doi:10.1046/j.1365-2788.2002.00414.x