Sense of Coherence and Coping with Stress in Fathers of Children with Developmental Disabilities

The aim of the study is to analyse the sense of coherence (SOC) and strategies of coping with stress in fathers of disabled children. The research involved 128 fathers of children with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and children with normal development. Two questionnaires were used: The Sense of Coherence Questionnaire (SOC-29) measuring SOC level and Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ) measuring strategies of coping with stress. The research revealed that there is a relationship between the type of child's developmental disability and SOC in fathers. The fathers with a low level of SOC more frequently used strategies of avoidance while the fathers with a high level of SOC more frequently used confrontation, positive reappraisal and planful problem solving. The results of the research indicate that looking after a disabled child may lower SOC and in turn may cause difficulties in coping with stress.