Kronenburg, Jayne (2018) The experience of relationships for young people on the autism spectrum. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This thesis is an exploration of the experiences of young people on the autism spectrum as they navigate their social world. There is a dearth of qualitative literature which gives voice to the unique challenges faced by this population within society. The experiences of both victimisation and romantic relationships are explored; phenomena which are well recognised as impacting on wellbeing and mental health. It is hoped that this thesis will contribute to understanding how young people make sense of and manage these experiences to inform future clinical support.

Chapter one is a critical systematic review of the qualitative literature exploring how children and young people on the autism spectrum experience and cope with victimisation. A database search yielded ten studies which met the specified criteria for inclusion. Young people’s experiences fell broadly into two themes: impact on wellbeing and self as at fault with methods of coping sought from both internal and external sources. The findings had important clinical and research implications and called for further exploration of the potential impact that the phenomenon may have on this vulnerable group.

Chapter two is a qualitative empirical study which explored the lived experience of romantic relationships for young women on the autism spectrum. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was employed to analyse the data of five participants from which three superordinate themes emerged: ‘Navigating Ambiguity’, ‘Identifying Vulnerability’ and ‘Constructing the Future Self’. The findings served to broaden our understanding of the needs of this group to guide future clinical support. Directions for further research and limitations are discussed.

Chapter three is a reflective account of the researcher’s experience of conducting qualitative research and working clinically with young people on the autism spectrum. Parallels are drawn between the experiences reported by participants and those experienced by the researcher as a Trainee Clinical Psychologist. The impact of these experiences is discussed in terms of construction of the future self.

Item Type:	Thesis or Dissertation (PhD)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Autism in adolescence -- Social aspects, Autistic girls, Autistic youth, Victims of bullying, Interpersonal relations, Intimacy (Psychology), Dating (Social customs), Vulnerability (Personality trait)
Official Date:	May 2018
Dates:	Date Event May 2018 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Psychology
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Patterson, Tom ; Knibbs, Jacky
Format of File:	pdf
Extent:	151 pages : charts, photographs
Language:	eng

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