Comparison of mothers' and fathers' perceptions of the effect of young children with and without disabilities.

Mothers (n = 54) and fathers (n = 54) were interviewed about the effect of young children, between 18 and 72 months of age, with and without disabilities. Half of the children had disabilities, half did not. Significant differences between mothers and fathers were obtained on the Parent domain of the Parent Stress Index. Mothers generally reported more stress than did fathers; however, the direction of difference depended on the individual scale. Parents of children with disabilities reported more caregiving requirements and stress in all domains. Stress was negatively associated with informal support for both parents and positively associated with increased caregiving requirements for mothers.