Abstract
The objective of this study was to elucidate the roles of fathers that were expected by mothers of infants with Down's syndrome. A questionnaire survey and interviews were conducted on 12 mothers of infants with Down's syndrome who lived at home with their children. Interviews focused on the expectations of mothers toward the roles of fathers in child rearing, and the mothers' statements were summarized and categorized according to semantic content. The survey results showed that the infants with Down's syndrome in this study were aged three to 18 months, while their mothers were aged 30 to 42 years. The roles of fathers expected by mothers of infants with Down's syndrome were categorized as follows: "child-rearing in general," "direct interaction with the child" such as willingness to provide child rearing and playing with the child, "joint provision of child rearing and care" such as joint involvement in upbringing and care, "consideration for the physical and mental status of the mother" such as understanding and concern for the mother, in addition to "continuation of current roles." These findings indicate that the roles of fathers expected by mothers of infants with Down's syndrome reflect expectations that are specific to parents of children with Down's syndrome, expectations for further enhancing the future development of the child, as well as the mothers' desire for attention from fathers as partners in child rearing. Future issues include investigation of both the actual roles played by fathers in child rearing for infants with Down's syndrome in addition to the roles of fathers expected by mothers.
