The Relationship of Father Parenting Capacity Variables to Perceived Uncertainty in Youth With a Chronic Illness

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between father parenting capacity variables and youth illness uncertainty. Thirty-seven youth (ages 8–18) with a chronic illness and their fathers participated. Fathers completed the Parenting Stress Index–Short Form, the Child Vulnerability Scale, and the Parent Protection Scale, and the youth completed the Children's Uncertainty in Illness Scale. Regression analyses indicated that father-reported parenting stress and child vulnerability was associated with youth-reported illness uncertainty. Paternal overprotection was not related to uncertainty. Results address a gap in the pediatric chronic illness literature, and suggest that the influences of fathers' parenting characteristics are important to understanding youth adjustment to chronic illness.

Notes

*p < .001.

*p < .05.