Similarities and Differences in the Functioning of Fathers and Mothers of Children with Disabilities: A Literature Review

This review aims to synthesize available literatures concerning similarities and differences in the functioning of mothers and fathers of children with disabilities. An attempt to define terminology is presented with a list of commonly cited attributes. A comprehensive table regarding study results provides additional information about the literature base. Specific trends are identified across the seven variables: stress, social support, family functioning, marital adjustment and satisfaction, coping, parental involvement, and help seeking patterns. Strengths and weaknesses of the literature surrounding identified attributes are detailed. Last, a focus on the need for future research to close the gap between our existing knowledge base and the development of effective, methodologically sound interventions is presented.