This study analyzes the relationship between parents’ attitudes and beliefs and their children’s adaptive behaviour. It was conducted by MICARE associate researcher Paulina Arango, with Camila Sabat and Meghan Burke.

A total of 83 families (mothers and fathers) completed self-report questionnaires that assessed their parenting styles and attitudes, as well as an adaptive behaviour questionnaire about their children with intellectual disabilities between the ages of 4 and 18.

Main results:

The study found that both mothers and fathers have a tendency towards an authoritarian parenting style. Fathers (compared to mothers) perceive greater parental support but are less involved in raising their children. Among fathers, the authoritarian style was a significant contributor to the child’s adaptive behaviour, beyond the mother’s contribution.

In conclusion, parenting studies should include both mothers and fathers, since paternal parenting styles and attitudes are related to children’s adaptive behaviour.