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Factors associated with self-concept in children with asthma.
A M McNelis1, G A Huster, M Michel
1Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, USA.
Summary
Children with asthma who have negative attitudes toward their illness or poor family relationships may have lower self-concepts. Improving these factors can enhance self-concept over time, particularly for girls with severe asthma.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Childhood Asthma Research
Background:
- Self-concept is crucial for child development.
- Asthma can impact a child's psychological well-being.
- Understanding factors influencing self-concept in children with asthma is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the links between demographic, familial, and child-specific factors and self-concept in children with asthma.
- To identify risk factors for poor self-concept in this population.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study design with data collected approximately 4 years apart.
- Involved 134 children with asthma and their mothers.
- Utilized interviews and self-report questionnaires for data collection.
Main Results:
- Negative attitudes toward asthma, lower family relationship satisfaction, and negative coping behaviors were associated with poorer self-concept.
- Improvements in attitudes, family satisfaction, and coping behaviors correlated with enhanced self-concept over time.
Conclusions:
- Children with asthma, particularly girls with severe asthma, are at risk for developing poor self-concept.
- Interventions targeting illness attitudes, family relationships, and coping strategies may improve self-concept in children with asthma.