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Risk-resistance adaptation model for caregivers and their children with sickle cell syndromes
Insights
This study found that effective coping strategies in primary caregivers are linked to better adjustment in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Caregiver adjustment also positively impacts child adaptation, highlighting the importance of support systems.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Chronic Illness Adaptation
- Family Caregiving
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) presents significant challenges for children and their primary caregivers.
- Understanding adaptation models is crucial for supporting families affected by chronic pediatric conditions.
- Existing research highlights the need for integrated approaches to address psychosocial factors in chronic illness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the risk-resistance adaptation model in children with sickle cell disease and their primary caregivers.
- To identify key factors influencing caregiver and child adjustment.
- To explore the relationship between coping mechanisms, risk, and resistance factors in adaptation.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 55 children (ages 5-16) with sickle cell disease and their primary caregivers were recruited.
- Measures assessed adjustment, risk factors (disease, disability, stressors), resistance factors (locus of control, social-ecological), and coping strategies.
- Statistical analyses examined associations and indirect effects between variables.
Main Results:
- Primary caregiver adjustment was significantly associated with developmental coping (changeR2 = .08).
- Child adaptation was strongly linked to an internal health locus of control (changeR2 = .22).
- Caregiver coping indirectly influenced child adjustment via caregiver adjustment (changeR2 = .11).
Conclusions:
- The findings support the risk-resistance adaptation model for pediatric chronic illness.
- Coping strategies and an internal health locus of control are vital for adaptation in children with SCD.
- The study underscores the importance of caregiver well-being in promoting child adjustment to chronic illness.
Abstract:
This investigation examined the risk-resistance adaptation model for children with sickle cell disease and their primary caregivers. Participants were 55 children, ranging in age from 5 to 16 years with a mean age of 9 years 2 months, diagnosed with sickle cell disease and their primary caregivers, recruited from a university medical center. Measures included adjustment (i.e. primary caregiver and child adjustment), risk factors (i.e. disease and disability, functional independence, and psychosocial stressors), resistance factors (i.e. intrapersonal health locus of control, social-ecological), and stress processing (coping). Primary caregivers' adjustment was associated with developmental coping, changeR2 = .08, and child adaptation was associated with an internal health locus of control, changeR2 = .22. An indirect effect of primary caregivers' coping on child adjustment was found through influence on primary caregivers' adjustment, changeR2 = .11. The findings support research among other chronically ill populations that suggests an association between coping and disease adjustment. The results were interpreted to support the use of theoretically driven models in predicting the adaptation of children with chronic illness and adjustment in their caregivers.