Personality Styles, Psychological Adjustment and Gender Differences in Parents of Children with Congenital Disabilities

Abstract

The present study analyzes the psychological adaptation of parents with children having congenital disabilities. The study included 83 men and 96 women, who were parents of children with severe spina bifida, cerebral palsy, cleft lip and cleft palate. The Millon Index of Personality Styles was used to identify the most distinctive personality styles of parents caring for a child with a chronic disability and parental psychological adjustment. We also investigated if personality profiles differ by gender, and educational and socioeconomic level. The personality styles identified may serve as indicators of the way parents adapt to the child with a congenital disability. The results also suggest that a child’s disability has a differential impact on men and women. Gender issues are evaluated, as well as any repercussions these may have on women.