Mothers and fathers of children with Down syndrome: parental stress and involvement in childcare

Abstract

Parental stress was examined in socioeconomically matched samples of mothers and fathers of children with Down syndrome and typically developing children. Parents of children with Down syndrome perceived more caregiving difficulties, child-related stress (distractibility, demandingness, unacceptability), and parent-related stress (incompetence, depression, health problems, role-restriction) than did parents of typically developing children. For the combined groups of parents, mothers' stress was associated with children's caregiving difficulties; fathers' stress, with children's group status (Down syndrome, typically developing). Mothers who reported more responsibility for childcare perceived more difficulties with health, role restriction, and spousal support. Fathers who reported more responsibility for childcare perceived fewer difficulties with attachment and parental competence. Partner stress was associated both with mothers' and with fathers' stress.