THE IMPACT OF CHILDHOOD NONMALIGNANT LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESS ON PARENTS - GENDER DIFFERENCES AND PREDICTORS OF PARENTAL ADJUSTMENT

Mental health, family functioning, effects on employment and relations hips, coping style, and perceptions of prognosis were assessed in 93 m others and 78 fathers of children with a life-threatening non-malignan t condition. Results indicated high levels of psychological distress, significant effects upon employment and relationships, and a family en vironment characterised by low expressiveness, cohesion, and high conf lict. Differences between mothers and fathers were found on a number o f variables. Length of time since diagnosis, level of family cohesion, and sex of parent significantly predicted parental mental health.