Child-related and parenting stress: similarities and differences between mothers and fathers of children with disabilities.

Data concerning similarities and differences in child-related and parenting stress between mothers and fathers of 121 toddlers with disabilities were presented. Fathers reported more stress related to their child's temperament and their relationship to their child. Mothers reported more stress from the personal consequences of parenting. Differences between mothers and fathers regarding the most powerful predictors of child-related and parenting stress were also found. Fathers were more sensitive to the effects of the family environment, whereas mothers were more affected by their personal support networks. The implications for early intervention services were discussed.