Abstract
BackgroundHistorically, research exploring the impact of having a child with an Intellectual Disability (ID), has focussed exclusively on mothers. The present study aimed to investigate fathers’ experiences of parenting a child with Down's syndrome (DS), their contributions, influences on family functioning and inclusion in their child's support provision.MethodSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 15 fathers. Interviews were analysed using Grounded Theory (GT).ResultsFathers’ adjustment appeared to be on a fluid trajectory with three key categories influencing this: “Accommodating the Child,” “Adapting the Parental/Spousal Role” and “Adapting Society.”ConclusionsThe accounts uncovered fathers’ adjustment trajectory to parenting a child with DS, concluding that despite practical and emotional challenges, fathers employed strategies to achieve positive adjustment. Fathers identified the need for services to recognize their role and involve them in their child's support provision. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.
Highlights
Society has failed to facilitate men's parenting roles, de‐ spite changes in social circumstances and cultural values which have seen an increase in the active involvement of fathers in their chil‐ dren's care (Lillie, 1993; Machin, 2015; Schoppe‐Sullivan, McBride, & Ringo Ho, 2004)
The aim of this study is to develop a model to account for fathers’ experiences of parenting a child with Down's syndrome (DS): their contributions; influ‐ ences on family functioning; and inclusion in their children's support provision
Grounded Theory (GT) was considered most congruent with the study aims and allowed the researchers to examine expe‐ riences in depth, while contributing to a theoretical understanding and development of a model (Kennedy & Lingard, 2006)
Summary
Society has failed to facilitate men's parenting roles, de‐ spite changes in social circumstances and cultural values which have seen an increase in the active involvement of fathers in their chil‐ dren's care (Lillie, 1993; Machin, 2015; Schoppe‐Sullivan, McBride, & Ringo Ho, 2004). The small amount of existing research focuses predominantly on fathers of children without an intellectual disability (ID) and highlights the im‐ portance of paternal involvement for children's and fathers’ devel‐ opment and satisfaction (Brown, Mangelsdorf, & Neff, 2012; Palm & Fagan, 2008; Pleck & Masciadrelli, 2004). Carpenter and Towers (2008) highlight that fathers remain stereotyped by outdated societal assumptions that their role is a protector and provider, with limited emotional involve‐ ment. The present study aimed to investigate fathers’ experiences of parenting a child with Down's syndrome (DS), their contributions, influences on family functioning and inclusion in their child's support provision. Conclusions: The accounts uncovered fathers’ adjustment trajectory to parenting a child with DS, concluding that despite practical and emotional challenges, fathers employed strategies to achieve positive adjustment.
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