Does arthritis influence perceived ability to fulfill a parenting role? Perceptions of mothers, fathers and grandparents.
The presence of a painful, disabling chronic disease may have implications for perceived ability to fulfill a parenting role. The purpose of this research was to examine the realities of parenting from the perspectives of mothers, fathers and grandparents with arthritis using a combination of methods: a cross sectional survey and in-depth focus group discussions. There was consensus that pain, fatigue and restricted physical functioning combined to interfere with the parenting role. Overall, approximately 35% of the sample had experienced difficulties attributed to arthritis. A gender difference emerged with women reporting more difficulties in relation to caring for babies and toddlers, whereas men reported more problems as children grew older. Key themes concerned: physical limitations; practical and caring issues; social factors; emotional response; hereditary risks and safety issues. Perceived inability to fulfill parenting roles resulted in feelings of frustration, guilt, anger and depression. A number of positive outcomes were mentioned including children's increased awareness of the needs of others. Limitations of the methodological approach adopted are discussed.
Barlow
J H
JH
Psychosocial Rheumatology Research Centre, School of Health and Social Sciences, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK.
Cullen
L A
LA
Foster
N E
NE
Harrison
K
K
Wade
M
M
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001168:Arthritis / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005220:Fathers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*; D012380:Role; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires