Parental and family well‐being in families of children with down syndrome: A comparative study

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Abstract
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. Thirtyfour 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.