Social network typology and health among parents of children with developmental disabilities: Results from a national study of midlife adults

Abstract Objective There is increasing interest in the role of contextual factors in promoting well-being among parents of children with developmental disabilities. This study aimed to examine whether social network types moderate the impacts of having a child with a developmental disability on parents' health. Methods Using cross-sectional data from the Midlife in the United States survey (MIDUS 2 and Refresher cohorts), we analyzed a sample of 363 parents of children with developmental disabilities and 4919 parents of children without developmental disabilities. K-means cluster analysis was implemented to identify a social network typology. Modified Poisson and negative binomial regression models estimated the effect of having a child with a developmental disability and the typology on parents' physical health (self-rated health, number of chronic conditions) and mental health (self-rated mental health, major depression). Results The cluster analysis revealed two social network types. Parents of children with developmental disabilities were more likely to have “restricted/unsupported” networks, whereas parents in the comparison group were more likely to have “diverse/supported” networks. Social support was more important for differentiating the network types of parents of children with developmental disabilities, while social integration was more salient for the comparison group. Parents of children with developmental disabilities fared worse on all outcomes relative to parents of children without disabilities. However, the typology had a compensatory psychological effect; the diverse/supported network type conferred greater mental health benefits to parents of children with developmental disabilities than to those in the comparison group. The diverse/supported network type was also associated with better physical health, but the associations did not differ between the two parent groups. Conclusions The results of this study emphasize the importance of social determinants of well-being for those with exceptional parenting responsibilities. Strengthening social networks may have a particularly positive impact on such parents' mental health.