Last Call to help Student Psychologist in Clinical Training with Research

Fathers’ experiences of parenting a young adult with Down’s syndrome.

Becky Piclet, a second year Psychologist in Clinical Training at The University of Leeds is undertaking a piece of research as part of her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology course. The research aims to explore fathers’ experiences of parenting a young adult with Down’s syndrome.

Why is research in this area important?

Firstly, research has suggested that the transition to adulthood for a young person with Down’s syndrome is a significant period that typically brings along new challenges for both the young person and their families.

Secondly, parenting research has tended to focus on mothers’ experiences, despite evidence suggesting that fathers are more involved in childcare than in previous decades.

Thirdly, because research has demonstrated that men and women can differ in both their parenting experiences and coping strategies, it is important to listen to fathers speak about their experiences in this time period.

Can you help?

You are eligible to take part if:

• You are a father (of any age) to a young adult with Down’s syndrome (aged between 18 – 25). Fathers may be biological fathers to the young person, or any male who assumes a paternal parenting role to a young adult with Down’s syndrome.

AND

• You are in contact with the young person and can understand and speak English as a first or second language.

What does taking part involve?

An individual interview lasting approximately 1 hour either in your home, at The University of Leeds, or by phone, or video conferencing (such as: skype, zoom). The interview would discuss your personal experiences of parenting a young adult with Down’s syndrome.

How to find out more, ask questions, or express your interest?

Please contact Becky Piclet (Psychologist in Clinical Training) via email on: umrmp@leeds.ac.uk.

This study is supervised by Dr Tom Cliffe (Lecturer in Clinical Psychology) and Dr Tracey Smith (Clinical Tutor) and has been approved by the University of Leeds School of Medicine (SoMREC) Ethics Committee (reference number: MREC 19-73   date: 13/07/2020).

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