Fathers of children with cerebral palsy and family functioning

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Published: Nov 30, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/ppej.31682
Keywords:
fathers cerebral palsy family functioning Greece Italy
Assimina Tsibidaki
Πανεπιστήμιο Αιγαίου
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6430-2436
Abstract

This study explores the family functioning of fathers raising a child with cerebral palsy (CP) in Greece and in Italy. In particular, it examines how fathers conceptualise the condition of CP and their role as father, the main family characteristics, and the basic parameters of their family functioning (cohesion, adaptability, and their family type). A total of 60 fathers of children with CP took part in the study (30 Greek and 30 Italian fathers), aged 28-59 years. A Socio-demographic Data Questionnaire, the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale and a semi-structured interview were used to collect data. Results showed that fathers in both countries had a variety of conceptions, the prevailing one being that the condition of CP is principally a medical problem that affects the whole family. Fathers reported similar experiences regarding family functioning and revealed a variety of positive and negative family characteristics. The existence of a child with CP in a family was reported primarily as a full and ongoing engagement. Fathers perceived the real and ideal functioning of their families as balanced, which, according to the revised version of the Olson Circumplex Model represents healthy family functioning. Findings suggest that fathers’ different notions about CP and divergent views on family functioning are assessed as functional, and they constitute a protective factor for the whole family system.

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Author Biography
Assimina Tsibidaki, Πανεπιστήμιο Αιγαίου

Παιδαγωγικό Τμήμα Δημοτικής Εκαίδευσης

Πανεπιστήμιο Αιγαίου

Μόνιμη Επίκουρη Καθηγήτρια

Γνωστικό αντικείμενο: Ειδική Αγωγή: Ψυχοπαιδαγωγικές Διαστάσεις στην Οικογένεια και το Σχολείο

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