PATERNAL INVOLVEMENT IN FAMILIES WITH DISABLED CHILDREN: A MEDICAL-SOCIAL PERSPECTIVE ON CARE, STRESS, AND DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES

Introduction. Despite increasing evidence of the importance of paternal engagement, the role of fathers in families of children with disabilities remains underrepresented in health and social research. Fathers significantly contribute to the psychological and emotional stability of the family system, particularly in settings with elevated caregiving demands and psychosocial stressors. Aim. The primary aim of this study was to explore how fathers perceive and enact their caregiving roles in the context of childhood disability. A secondary objective was to assess how individuals with disabilities retrospectively evaluate paternal involvement during their upbringing. Materials and methods. A qualitative, phenomenologically oriented design was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with two target groups: (1) fathers of children diagnosed with various physical, intellectual, and neurodevelopmental disabilities, and (2) adults with disabilities reflecting on paternal involvement during childhood. Thematic analysis was used to identify cross-cutting themes and psychosocial trajectories. Results. Findings revealed that fatherhood in the context of disability entails high emotional demands but also offers profound meaning and identity transformation. Fathers reported navigating a dual burden of economic provision and emotional support, often under societal expectations of emotional restraint. Despite experiencing stress, guilt, and isolation, many fathers described deep emotional growth. Adults with disabilities emphasised the long-term benefits of active paternal presence, including enhanced resilience, emotional security, and identity development. Conclusions. Fathers of children with disabilities constitute an underutilised yet crucial resource within the family care system. Their involvement has demonstrable benefits not only for child development but also for family cohesion and caregiver well-being. Healthcare and social systems must adopt inclusive, gender-sensitive practices that actively integrate and support fathers as co-primary caregivers.