Browsing by Author "Minulescu, Mihaela"

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Autism spectrum disorder in Romania : development of the First Community Center for Children with ASD from Romania
(Editura Universitatii din Bucuresti, Facultatea de Sociologie si Asistenta Sociala, 2020) Stoia, Dalia; Minulescu, Mihaela; Trancă, Loredana Marcela; Bredicean, Ana Cristina
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the most widespread child psychopathologies. The impact of the diagnosis is well known in the literature as a considerable increase in marital distress. Hence, we understand very little about the exact impact of ASD upon the family dynamics, especially parents’ marital relationship. In this context and considering that couple conflict is considered one robust indicator of marital quality, we aim to approach the themes of conflict parents of ASD children face. We aim to explore some answers referring to the child-related challenges and the risks of conflicts and consider whether these conflicts are real or just the peak of the iceberg. A number of 20 studies were identified as exploring the subject, out of which only six were eligible for further analysis. The reported results revealed some of the topics of conflict and their impact on the family. The review highlights the further need of studies exploring these conflicts in ASD families and mentions practical implications of the current analysis.
Couples facing the autism spectrum disorder challenge : a literature review concerning emotionally focused therapy effectiveness
(Expert Projects Publishing House, 2019) Stoia, Dalia; Vintilă, Mona; Minulescu, Mihaela
Recent surveys reinforce the fact that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is on the rise. In these cases, the family faces a chronic condition which etiology and means of treatment are still debated. The impact of the new reality is well known in the literature as a considerable increase in marital distress. Hence, until recently all the concern was around the therapy of the child. The comprehension of the psychological impact faced by the couple lead to a new approach addressing an integrative treatment plan in the case of ASD. In the new light, couple therapy is considered valuable inorder to higher the family quality of life. The present literature review oﬀ ers an overview of research exploring the eﬀ ectiveness of one couple intervention known as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples that deal with the challenge of ASD. A number of 182 studies were identifi ed as exploring the subject, out of which only four were eligible for further analysis. Two of the studies question the eﬀ ectiveness of EFT in the case of chronically ill children and the other two question the eﬀ ectiveness in the case of ASD. The reported results show a decrease of the marital distress following EFT intervention. The review highlights the further need of studies exploring EFT for parents rising ASD children and mentions practical implications of the current analysis.
Do cartoons trigger an influence on children's altruism?
(West University of Timisoara, 2020) Minulescu, Mihaela; Lulciuc, Claudiu; Maricuțoiu, Laurențiu
The present study evaluated children's prosocial behavior (M = 7.39, SD = 0.93) (i.e., specific altruism) under the influence of three types of cartoons (neutral, prosocial, or antisocial). Subjects (N = 140) were randomized and exposed to treatment with pre- and post-intervention measurements. The results didn't confirm the hypothesis that children who will watch prosocial cartoons will have increased altruism proving a higher volume of donations. The second hypothesis regarding the inhibitory effect of antisocial cartoons on altruism by decreasing the volume of donations was not confirmed either. No significant gender effects were recorded. No significant general age effect was found either, however, we found that donations tend to increase with age, a statistically significant effect being recorded for children age 8 years old compared to those of 6 years old. The implications of the statistical data are discussed together with the possibility of registering a ""moral licensing"" effect."
Do the child-related challenges associated with ASD put the poarental couple at risk for couple conflicts? : a literature review paper
(Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad, 2019) Stoia, Dalia; Vintilă, Mona; Minulescu, Mihaela; Bredicean, Ana Cristina
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the most widespread child psychopathologies. The impact of the diagnosis is well known in the literature as a considerable increase in marital distress. Hence, we understand very little about the exact impact of ASD upon the family dynamics, especially parents’ marital relationship. In this context and considering that couple conflict is considered one robust indicator of marital quality, we aim to approach the themes of conflict parents of ASD children face. We aim to explore some answers referring to the child-related challenges and the risks of conflicts and consider whether these conflicts are real or just the peak of the iceberg. A number of 20 studies were identified as exploring the subject, out of which only six were eligible for further analysis. The reported results revealed some of the topics of conflict and their impact on the family. The review highlights the further need of studies exploring these conflicts in ASD families and mentions practical implications of the current analysis.
Looking for the positive effects of cartoons on children’s intentional prosocial behavior still no evidence
(Editura Universitatii din Oradea, 2020) Lulciuc, Claudiu; Maricuțoiu, Laurențiu; Minulescu, Mihaela
In this experimental study, we investigated the intentional prosocial behavior of children following exposure to different types of cartoons. Subjects (N=246, mean age=7.50 years) were assigned to one of the three groups (neutral vs. prosocial vs. antisocial), and we performed pre- and post-measurements. We used an interactive audio story to facilitate the measurement of children’s intentional prosocial behavior. Children provided their answers in a special notebook, in real-time during the story. Pre- and post-exposure to a short cartoon (5 min and 22 sec), subjects offered their answers in 10 instances in which they could decide between prosocial or antisocial behavioral alternatives. We found a decrease in prosocial behavior in all groups after exposure to cartoons, regardless of their type. However, no significant differences were observed between groups that were exposed to different types of cartoons. Therefore, we did not find support for the hypothesis that assumed prosocial cartoons would increase intentional prosocial behavior, respectively, the number of prosocial decisions. Thus, we could not establish a cause and effect relationship between prosocial cartoons and prosocial behavior.