Predictors of parenting stress in families of children with spina bifida

Examining predictors of stress in a diverse population of caregivers of chi ldren with spina bifida, we examined whether any of the same factors charac terized caregivers who choose to access available support services. Partici pants were caretakers of 56 children with spina bifida, ages 1-17 years, wh o completed paper-and-pencil measures of parenting stress and social suppor t. Multiple regression analyses revealed that maternal age emerged as the s ole predictor of parenting stress, with older mothers reporting higher stre ss. Caregivers with higher stress related to child interaction were less li kely to participate in support services. Findings were interpreted to sugge st that traditional models of family support and outreach might not be suff icient to reach caregivers who report higher stress. In addition to family- centered early intervention, families might need sustained support througho ut their children's school years.