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

Parental stress was examined in socioeconomically matched samples of mother s and fathers of children with Down syndrome and typically developing child ren. Parents of children with Down syndrome perceived more caregiving diffi culties, child-related stress (distractibility, demandingness, unacceptabil ity), and parent-related stress (incompetence, depression, health problems, role-restriction) than did parents of typically developing children. For t he 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 responsibil ity for childcare perceived more difficulties with health, role restriction , and spousal support. Fathers who reported more responsibility for childca re perceived fewer difficulties with attachment and parental competence. Pa rtner stress was associated both with mothers' and with fathers' stress.