Perceptions of parental competence while facing the death of a spouse

Healthy parents' perceptions of their competence to meet children's needs during the terminal illness of the other parent were measured on five major domains of parent-child relationships and parental functioning central to children's healthy development. Significant declines from pre-illness competence were perceived, of which the greatest were in emotional sensitivity and responsiveness, and ability to set limits and impose discipline. Implications for the development of preventive intervention strategies are discussed.