title: The impact of childhood non-malignant life-threatening illness on parents: gender differences and predictors of parental adjustment.
abstract: Mental health, family functioning, effects on employment and relationships, coping style, and perceptions of prognosis were assessed in 93 mothers and 78 fathers of children with a life-threatening non-malignant condition. Results indicated high levels of psychological distress, significant effects upon employment and relationships, and a family environment characterised by low expressiveness, cohesion, and high conflict. Differences between mothers and fathers were found on a number of variables. Length of time since diagnosis, level of family cohesion, and sex of parent significantly predicted parental mental health.
authors.affiliation: Lifetime Service, Royal United Hospital, Bath, U.K.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mastroyannopoulou
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stallard
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lenton
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare / Q000523:psychology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003142:Communication; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D011379:Prognosis; D012737:Sex Factors