Van Riper M, Ryff C, Pridham K
Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Res Nurs Health. 1992 Jun;15(3):227-35. doi: 10.1002/nur.4770150309.
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a child with Down syndrome on the individual functioning of both parents, marital functioning, and family functioning. Thirty-four families of children with Down syndrome were compared to 41 families with nondisabled children. Mothers and fathers in both groups completed a series of self-report measures. No significant differences were obtained between the two groups of families on any of the measures of individual, marital, or family functioning. The results of this study support a competence model in which parents may respond to the challenges associated with parenting a child with Down syndrome with resilience and adaptive functioning.
