A comparative analysis of interaction between parents and children affected by diabetes or asthma or nonchronically ill children

Objectives: In accordance with the Global Focus Model, this study investigated parent–child interactions and analysed the differences between parenting interactions with children affected by asthma and diabetes by comparison with interactions with a child without special needs. Moreover, a comparison between fathers and mothers was made. Methods: 96 parents aged 30–44 years were sampled. Sixteen couples had a child with diabetes mellitus type 1; 16 couples had a child affected by asthma and 16 couples had children without any restrictions. All fathers and mothers completed the Parent Preference Test. Results: The data analysis highlighted different interactions adopted by parents in relation to the characteristics of their children. Conclusions: The results of this study reveal confirmed the differences in parenting styles adopted in presence of a child with asthma or diabetes. These results could be useful in order to support parent and help them improving their coping and management competences.