Down Syndrome and Fathering: An Exploration of Ambiguous Loss

Abstract

Fathers of children with Down syndrome (DS) described their attitudes and coping behaviors, responses were evaluated in the context of Ambiguous Loss theory, using a person-oriented, mixed-methods approach. In general, the fathers expressed the ambiguity of loving the child they had while mourning a life they may have anticipated. Three clusters of fathers (Mastering, Connecting, and Thriving) were identified and described. Mastering cluster fathers used action-oriented coping strategies to manage their life. Connecting cluster fathers engaged in outreach activities related to DS. Thriving cluster fathers embraced their life and reframed their experiences as giving them a sense of purpose or higher meaning. Ambiguous loss theory provided a non-deficit lens to better understand this group of fathers of children with DS.