Role of child demographic, executive functions, and behavioral challenges on feelings about parenting among parents of youth with Down syndrome.
Amanallah Soltani, Anna J Esbensen
PMID 38479073WHAT IT FOUND
In 113 families, caregiver feelings about parenting were linked to child executive function and behavior challenges.
The link between executive function challenges and caregiver feelings was carried through behavior problems. ADHD and obesity were also linked to more negative feelings.
Key findings
01Positive and negative caregiver feelings about parenting were associated with executive function and behavior challenge scores, and total behavior problems mediated the association between executive function and caregiver feelings.
02Parents of Hispanic children reported more positive feelings, parents of overweight/obese children reported more negative feelings, and parents of children with ADHD reported lower positive and higher negative feelings.
03Older child age was associated with less positive caregiver feelings about parenting.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study was cross-sectional, so it cannot show that child factors cause caregiver feelings. Participants were 6 to 17 years old, so results may not apply to younger children or adults with Down syndrome. Most caregiver reporters were mothers (93.8% female), biological parents (92%), and currently married (84.1%), so other family structures may be underrepresented. The sample was 84.1% White and 13.3% Hispanic, so findings may not generalize across ethnic groups. The authors did not use Bonferroni correction, so some significant findings may be chance. Caregiver feelings were only measured as positive and negative parenting feelings, not broader family quality of life or well-being. Executive function was measured by a parent rating scale, not performance testing. Parent reports may be subject to bias.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that treating behavior problems will improve caregiver feelings. The study was cross-sectional, did not test an intervention, and did not show causation. The authors also did not correct for multiple comparisons, so some associations may be chance findings.