Gender differences and simililarities in the experience of parenting a child with a health problem: current state of knowledge

Abstract

The birth of a child is a transitional situation that triggers stress in the family and each person has to use adjustment strategies allowing them to reposition gradually in relation to themselves and other members of the family, and to make space for the new arrival. When the child has a health problem, the stress on the parents is correspondingly greater. Research shows that fathers and mothers of a child with a health problem experience this ordeal differently. This article reports on the current state of knowledge about the experience of fathers and mothers of a child with a health problem, and suggests new directions for research to provide a fuller understanding of their experience.

Public health policy and social support for immigrant mothers raising disabled children in Canada

“…Reported stress was stated by mothers to be caused by lack of support and not the child's disability. Mothers of children with chronic illnesses are found to be at risk of psychosocial problems (Barlow et al 1998) and mothers of children with disabilities or chronic illness experience high levels of stress (Burton et al 2008b;Miodrag and Hodapp 2010), depression (Singer 2006) and burnout (Pelchat, Lefebvre, and Levert 2007). Caregivers in this role must manage many different stressors (Hauskov-Graungaard et al 2011) and manage a high care burden (Miodrag and Hodapp 2010).…”

“…Emotional (expressive) support may be offered by friends, family and compassionate professionals. Emotional support is especially key for mothers in particular (Pelchat, Lefebvre, and Levert 2007). Perception of support refers to an individual's view on whether the support provided is sufficient and helpful.…”

Comment les pères et les mères réinventent-ils leur vie avec un enfant ayant une déficience ?

“…Une recension des écrits (Pelchat et al, 2007) met en relief que jusqu'au début des années 1980, peu de recherches ont étudié les différences entre les pères et les mères dans le processus d'adaptation à l'enfant ayant une problématique de santé. La majorité des études sur les familles d'enfant ayant une déficience ont mis l'accent sur les besoins, les perceptions et les comportements des mères.…”

Ensinando o pai a brincar com seu bebê com síndrome de Down

“…Neste sentido, o nascimento de uma criança com deficiência causa impactos individuais, conjugais e parentais diferentes em mães e pais (PELCHAT; LEFEBVRE; LEVERT, 2007), ressaltando a importância de suportes práticos e emocionais (CARPENTER, 2000), considerando também as peculiaridades dos indivíduos.…”

“…Os benefícios da participação das famílias nos programas de intervenção precoce seriam: melhor adaptação ao problema da criança, bem--estar no relacionamento conjugal e nos papéis parentais e percepções e emoções mais positivas sobre vários aspectos da vida (PELCHAT; LEFEBVRE; LEVERT, 2007).…”