Parenting capacities of primary caregivers of children with disorders of sexual development

Abstract

Atypical development of chromosomal, gonadal or anatomic sex (a disorder known as DSD) is announced at or shortly after birth and can put great stress on caregivers who are responsible for medical decision making, aftercare, and promoting future adjustment for children with this disorder. Consensus statements have recognized the stress associated with DSD for patients and their parents, however, much remains to be learned concerning parental characteristics and psychological outcomes among primary caregivers of children with DSD. Existing data and results of parenting studies of caregivers of children with chronic illness are presented as well as the limited findings within the DSD population. Psychological outcomes among parents of children diagnosed with DSD are discussed and future directions are offered.