The relationships between perceived stress and psychological well-being among mothers and fathers of children with down syndrome

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between perceived stress and psychological well-being among parents of children with Down syndrome. The relationship between perceiving one’s parenthood and well-being was also studied. The sample consisted of 126 parents (75 mothers and 51 fathers, aged 25 – 69) of children with Down syndrome. Our results show that ego-resiliency is a partial mediator of the relationship between perceived stress and psychological well-being. Moreover, there is a difference in well-being between parents who perceive their parenthood as a burden or challenge, and parents who report happiness and satisfaction.