The Views and Experiences of Fathers of Children with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review of the International Evidence

Abstract

As a result of societal changes and expectations, mothers have returned to paid employment, with fathers now more involved in the daily lives of their children with and without disabilities. Globally, fathers are providing more care for their children with intellectual disabilities (ID), a role traditionally expected of mothers. The research interest in the role of fathers in the lives of their child with ID is growing, yet much of the wider evidence has focused on the views and experiences of mothers as care givers. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the views and experiences of fathers parenting children with ID. A total of 14 studies were included in the review. Four themes were identified including emotional impact, mental health and coping, systems of support, and hopes and fears. There is a need for further research on the needs of fathers and how they can be supported to play a fuller role in the lives of their child with ID. Implications for policy, practice, and future research are also discussed.

Parenting Sense of Competence in Parents of Children with and without Intellectual Disability

“…In terms of developmental milestones, parents expect a child to be able to acquire new skills and competencies. Unfortunately, those expectations usually need to be changed and adapted, especially when it comes to children with intellectual disability whose parents often have trouble accepting their child’s limitations ( Marsh et al, 2020 ). Continuous feelings of frustration and disappointment can lead parents to feel less satisfied with themselves as parents.…”

“…Indeed, studies show that daily stress is related to parenting behavior (Deater Deckard, 2005) and parenting competence (Deater Deckard, 1998). Studies also consistently show elevated levels of stress in parents of children with intellectual disability (Arakkathara & Bance, 2019;MacInnes & Fraser, 2009;Masulani-Mwale, Kauye, Gladstone, & Mathanga, 2018;Phillips, Conners, & Curtner-Smith, 2017;Tsermentseli & Kouklari, 2019), both mothers (Leung, 2019) and fathers (Marsh, Brown, & Mccann, 2020), although those levels are related solely to the child's disability but also other factors, both internal (such as parents' coping) end external (such as social support), as well as the child's internalizing and externalizing problems (Barak-Levy & Atzaba-Poria, 2020;Hassall, Rose, & McDonald, 2005;Leung, 2019). Higher levels of stress in parents of children with intellectual disability put a significant strain on parents, increase the risk of mental health problems, marital problems and can impair parents' ability to positively affect the child's behavior, as well as decrease wellbeing and overall quality of family life (Arakkathara & Bance, 2019;Azeem et al, 2013;Barak-Levy & Atzaba-Poria, 2020;Langley, Totsika, & Hastings, 2020).…”

Experiences of fathers regarding the diagnosis of their child with autism spectrum disorder: A narrative review of the international research

“…The existing evidence regarding parenting of children with ASD has so far focused predominantly on the care experiences of mothers or both mothers and fathers (Legg & Tickle, 2019). There is an evolving evidence-base regarding the involvement of fathers' during the early years of their child's life, their parenting style and ability to adapt to the role of becoming a father and the coping skills and supports required (Marsh et al, 2020). With more fathers taking on the primary caregiver role, it is important to understand their views and experience of being a father of a child with ASD and their specific support requirements (Rankin et al, 2019).…”

Developmental Disabilities Across the World: A Scientometric Review from 1936 to 2020

“…For this reason, studies have provided insight into the need of developing programs aimed to support these families [239,240,241,242,243,244,245], for instance by considering the protective role of having a supportive partner [246,247]. In regards to the experience of caregivers of children with intellectual disabilities, the reviews by Marsh et al [248] and by Hu [249] provided insight into the role of fathers.…”