Differences in Mother and Father Perceptions, Interactions and Responses to Intervention with a Special-needs Adoptive Child.

• Main Author: Meland, Angela M.
• Other Authors: Jacobson, Arminta
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Texas 2004
• Subjects: Parent and child.; Special needs adoption.; Adopted children > Family relationships.; Children with disabilities > Family relationships.; adoption; mothers and fathers; special-needs child
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc4545/

Parents' perceptions of their child's behavior may differ for mothers and fathers. Differences in parental perception may also be apparent in cases of special needs adoptive families with high demands of their child for time, interventions and attention. This paper examines the differences in mother-child and father-child interactions, child behavior as reported by mothers, and fathers and changes in both after participation in an intervention program. Results suggest notable differences between mothers' and fathers' parent-child interaction scores and reports of child behavior. In addition, interaction scores and behavior reports showed some correlations. Finally, there seemed to be notable differences in the trends for the Child Behavior Checklist compared to the two attachment measures (Randolph Attachment Disorder Questionnaire and Beech Brook Attachment Disorder Checklist). Several possible explanations for mother and father differences are discussed.