Healthy Parents - Healthy Children with CP

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation published research on the function of parents and their children with cerebral palsy. Fifty one parents completed surveys on the care of their children with cerebral palsy from 5-18 years old. In addition, the GMFCS, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Parenting Stress Index, Family Environment Scale, relationship dimension and Self-Efficacy for Parenting Tasks Index were completed. The results indicated a positive correlation between the health of the parents and the health of the children. A positive correlation was also seen between parents and children with regards to: mental health, emotional function, psychosocial function and total health related quality of life. The researchers suggest that in order to maximize functional levels in children with cerebral palsy interventions that support parent health (especially mental health) should be explored.

Reference: Murphy, N et al. The Function of Parents and Their Children With Cerebral Palsy PM&R Volume 3, Issue 2 , Pages 98-104, February 2011