Parenting self-efficacy and stress in mothers and fathers of children with Down Syndrome

In this study, the relationship between the parenting self-efficacy and parenting stress of 53 parents (28 mothers, 25 fathers) of children with Down Syndrome (ages 4 months to 10 years) was explored. Levels of parenting stress in this sample were also compared to norms of parents of typically developing children. Results demonstrated a significant negative correlation between parenting stress and self-efficacy among parents of children with Down Syndrome. Mothers and fathers of children with Down Syndrome reported similar levels of stress and efficacy, although differed on parenting satisfaction and parent related stress. Overall parents of children with Down Syndrome reported higher levels of stress than the normative sample but also slightly higher levels of parenting self-efficacy. These findings highlight the importance of exploring the experiences of both mothers and fathers, and also suggest that parenting a child with Down Syndrome can increase parenting self-efficacy.