Father’s Experinece and Roles in Raising Children with Special Needs: A Qualitative Analysis of Family Functioning

Annisa Muslimah Fadhilah Thamrin; Ely Zamzam Firdaus; Latipun

doi:10.18535/sshj.v8i09.1315

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the experiences and roles of fathers in families with children with special needs (CSN), focusing on the dynamics of family functioning. The research aims to provide an in-depth understanding of how fathers perceive and manage the challenges associated with raising children with unique needs, and how these experiences influence family dynamics. Semi-structured interviews with five fathers were conducted online and in-person. The analysis used coding and theme identification. The findings highlight that fathers assume multiple roles—caregiver, provider, and emotional supporter—and face challenges like financial stress, mental health issues, and societal stigma. Engaged fathers contribute to their children's emotional security and social development. The study emphasizes the importance of education, support networks, and mental health resources for fathers. Encouraging shared parenting responsibilities can foster collaboration and strengthen family bonds. This research contributes to understanding father involvement in families with CSN, emphasizing culturally sensitive support systems that acknowledge fathers' multifaceted roles. Empowering fathers through education and support can enhance family functioning and improve quality of life for all family members.

Keywords

Radio DramaCommunity DialogueYouthSubstance AbuseKano

References

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Dunn, K., Kinnear, D., Jahoda, A., & McConnachie, A. (2019). Mental health and well- being of fathers of children with intellectual disabilities: Systematic review and meta-analysis. BJPsych Open, 5(6), e96. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2019.75DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗
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Flippin, M., & Crais, E. R. (2011). The need for more effective father involvement in early autism intervention: A systematic review and recommendations. Journal of Early Intervention, 33(1), 24-50.Google Scholar ↗
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Parke, R. D., & Cookston, J. T. (2019). Fathers & Families. In M. H. Bornstein (Ed.), Handbook of Parenting (3rd ed., pp. 28–73). Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.Google Scholar ↗
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Schatzman, L., & Strauss, A. (1973). Field Reseach: Strategies for A Natural Sociology. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.Google Scholar ↗
Siron, Y., Ningrum, H. S., Gustiani, L., & Muaz, F. (2020). Father’s Involvement in Parenting Children with Cerebral Palsy. Journal of Early Childhood Education, 2(2), 183-196.Google Scholar ↗
Sugimura, N., Curtiss, S. L., & Weglarz-Ward, J. M. (2015). Father involvement and maternal depressive symptoms in families of children with disabilities or delays. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 19(5), 1078–1086. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-014-1608-7DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗
Supriyadi, S., Rachmawati, R., & Anwar, M. (2020). The role of father involvement in child development: A study in Indonesia. International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy, 14(1), 1-14.Google Scholar ↗
Toledano-Toledano, F., & Domínguez-Guedea, M. T. (2019). Psychosocial factors related with caregiver burden among families of children with chronic conditions. BioPsychoSocial Medicine, 13(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13030-019-0147-2.DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗

[refR-1] Anggraini, A. (2013). Peran Ayah dalam Pengasuhan Anak Berkebutuhan Khusus. Jurnal Pendidikan Dompet Dhuafa, 7(1), 21-24.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-2] Asfari, H. (2022). Perang yang terlupakan: pengasuhan ayah pada keluarga dengan anak berkebutuhan khusus di Indonesia. Psyche 165 Journal, 15)1), 1-6.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-3] Baker, C. E. (2014). African American Fathers’ depression and stress as predictors of father involvement during early childhood. Journal of Black Psychology, 40(4), 311–333. https://doi.org/10.1177/0095798413486480DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗

[refR-4] Cabrera, N. J., Volling, B. L., & Barr, R. (2018). Fathers are Parents, too! Widening the lens on parenting for children’s development. Child Development Perspectives, 12(3), 152–157. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdep.12275DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗

[refR-5] Cabrera, N. J., Shannon, J. D., & Tamis-LeMonda, C. S. (2018). Fathers in the twenty-first century. In Handbook of Father Involvement: Multidisciplinary Perspectives (pp. 3-18). New York: Routledge.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-6] Creswell, J. W. (2018). Penelitian Kualitatif dan Desain Riset. Yogyakarta: Pustaka Pelajar.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-7] Dempsey, I., & Keen, D. (2008). A review of processes and outcomes in family-centered services for children with a disability. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 28(1), 42-52.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-8] Doherty, W. J., Kouneski, E. F., & Erickson, M. F. (1998). Responsible fathering: an overview and conceptual framework. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 60(2), 277.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-9] Dunn, K., Kinnear, D., Jahoda, A., & McConnachie, A. (2019). Mental health and well- being of fathers of children with intellectual disabilities: Systematic review and meta-analysis. BJPsych Open, 5(6), e96. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2019.75DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗

[refR-10] Fagan, J., Day, R., Lamb, M. E., & Cabrera, N. J. (2014). Should researchers conceptualize differently the dimensions of parenting for fathers and mothers? Journal of Family Theory & Review, 6(4), 390–405.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-11] Flippin, M., & Crais, E. R. (2011). The need for more effective father involvement in early autism intervention: A systematic review and recommendations. Journal of Early Intervention, 33(1), 24-50.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-12] Flouri, E. (2005). Fathering and child outcomes. Wiley.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-13] Giallo, R., Seymour, M., Matthews, J., Gavidia-Payne, S., Hudson, A., & Cameron, C. (2015). Risk factors associated with the mental health of fathers of children with an intellectual disability in Australia: Mental health of fathers. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 59(3), 193–207. https://doi.org/10.1111/jir.12127DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗

[refR-14] Giallo, R., Seymour, M., & Pritchard, M. (2015). The mental health of fathers of children with disabilities: A systematic review. Journal of Family Psychology, 29(4), 563-573.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-15] Hidayati, H., Widiastuti, T., & Sari, R. (2021). Economic stress and father involvement in families with children with special needs. Journal of Family Issues, 42(3), 456-478.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-16] John, A., Halliburton, A., & Humphrey, J. (2013). Child–mother and child–father play interaction patterns with preschoolers. Early Child Development and Care, 183(3–4), 483–497. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2012.711595DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗

[refR-17] Jones, L., Totsika, V., Hastings, R. P., & Petalas, M. A. (2013). Gender differences when parenting children with autism spectrum disorders: A multilevel modeling approach. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43(9), 2090–2098. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-012-1756-9DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗

[refR-18] Lamb, M. E. (2010). The role of the father in child development (5th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-19] Laxman, N., Ranjan, R., & Ranjan, A. (2015). The impact of father involvement on child development: A review of the literature. Journal of Family Studies, 21(2), 145-162.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-20] Lopez, S., McWhirter, A., Rosencrans, M., Giuliani, N. R., & McIntyre, L. L. (2019). Father involvement with children with developmental delays. Global Education Review, 6(1), 40–62.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-21] Parke, R. D., & Cookston, J. T. (2019). Fathers & Families. In M. H. Bornstein (Ed.), Handbook of Parenting (3rd ed., pp. 28–73). Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-22] Picardi, A., Gigantesco, A., Tarolla, E., Stoppioni, V., Cerbo, R., Cremonte, M., Alessandri, G., Lega, I., & Nardocci, F. (2018). Parental burden and its correlates in families of children with autism spectrum disorder: A multicentre study with two comparison groups. Clinical Practice & Epidemiology in Mental Health, 14(1), 143–176. https://doi.org/10.2174/1745017901814010143DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗

[refR-23] Pisula, E., & Porębowicz-Dörsmann, A. (2017). Family functioning, parenting stress and quality of life in mothers and fathers of Polish children with high functioning autism or Asperger syndrome. PLOS ONE, 12(10), e0186536. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0186536DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗

[refR-24] Purnamasari, A., Utami, S., & Rahmawati, D. (2019). Emotional support and its impact on the well-being of children with special needs in Indonesia. Indonesian Journal of Psychology, 6(1), 25-34.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-25] Schatzman, L., & Strauss, A. (1973). Field Reseach: Strategies for A Natural Sociology. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-26] Siron, Y., Ningrum, H. S., Gustiani, L., & Muaz, F. (2020). Father’s Involvement in Parenting Children with Cerebral Palsy. Journal of Early Childhood Education, 2(2), 183-196.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-27] Sugimura, N., Curtiss, S. L., & Weglarz-Ward, J. M. (2015). Father involvement and maternal depressive symptoms in families of children with disabilities or delays. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 19(5), 1078–1086. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-014-1608-7DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗

[refR-28] Supriyadi, S., Rachmawati, R., & Anwar, M. (2020). The role of father involvement in child development: A study in Indonesia. International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy, 14(1), 1-14.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-29] Toledano-Toledano, F., & Domínguez-Guedea, M. T. (2019). Psychosocial factors related with caregiver burden among families of children with chronic conditions. BioPsychoSocial Medicine, 13(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13030-019-0147-2.DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗