Fathers' coping mechanisms related to parenting a chronically ill child: implications for advanced practice nurses

The presence of a father has been positively associated with outcomes in several aspects of a child's life. This descriptive study investigated coping methods used by fathers of chronically ill children, fathers' perceived severity of the child's illness, and demographic differences related to coping mechanisms.

A sample of 54 fathers of chronically ill children completed measurements of demographics, coping processes, and severity levels of their child's chronic condition. Data were analyzed with SPSS 14.0 using parametric and nonparametric tests to examine relationships and coping behaviors used by fathers in northwest Florida.

A majority of fathers used an emotion-focused coping process with a religious dimension. No association was found between perceived level of severity of their child's illness and eight subscales used to measure coping methods; however, statistical significance was found between the age and marital status of fathers with seven of the subscales. Married and older fathers more often used "positive" coping mechanisms than did younger, unmarried fathers.

The findings emphasize the need for practitioners, clinicians, and educators to assess, support, and provide appropriate resources to fathers in order to promote positive effective coping and increase the level of involvement in the child's life.