Parental styles and attitudes of fathers of children and adolescents with intellectual disability: Do parental styles and attitudes impact children's adaptive behaviour?

BACKGROUND

There is little literature that has explored the paternal role among children with intellectual disabilities. The aim of the study is to characterise parental attitudes and styles of fathers of children with intellectual disabilities, and to analyse their relation to the children's adaptive behaviour.

METHOD

Eighty-three families (fathers and mothers) answered self-report questionnaires, which assessed parenting styles and attitudes, as well as an adaptive behaviour questionnaire about their children with intellectual disabilities between 4 and 18 years of age.

RESULTS

Both parents have a tendency towards an authoritative style of parenting. Fathers (versus mothers) perceive greater parental support but are less involved in their children's lives. Among fathers, the authoritative style was a significant contributor to the child's adaptive behaviour, above and beyond the mother's contribution.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies about parenting should include both mothers and fathers, as paternal parenting styles and attitudes are related to children's adaptive behaviour.