Dyadic analysis of parenting stress in parents of deaf children

Hearing parents of deaf children may face parenting stress related to the multiple challenges associated with deafness. Several factors may contribute to the level of stress they encounter. This study examined the dyadic relationships between fathers' and mothers' parenting stress and potential associated factors. Twenty-one French parental couples of deaf children completed questionnaires assessing parenting stress, parental involvement, parental self-efficacy, and social support needs. The results revealed significant associations between parenting stress and the three measured factors-parental involvement, parental self-efficacy, and social support needs-for both fathers and mothers. These 3 factors were also found to be interrelated. While overall patterns were similar between mothers and fathers, certain differences emerged within specific subdomains. Dyadic analyses further showed cross-parent effects; for instance, lower paternal involvement was associated with higher maternal parenting stress. These findings underscore the importance of including both parents in parenting research and highlight the value of dyadic analysis. Such an approach supports the development of early interventions that are both universal and tailored to the needs of each family.