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Predictors of psychological adjustment in school-age children infected with HIV

P J Bachanas1, K A Kullgren, K S Schwartz

  • 1Pediatric Infectious Disease Program, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30308, USA. pbachan@emory.edu

Journal of Pediatric Psychology
|August 8, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Psychological functioning in children with HIV did not differ from healthy peers, though healthy children showed more internalizing behaviors. Coping styles significantly impact adjustment in children with HIV.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Psychology
  • Child Health and Development
  • HIV/AIDS Research

Background:

  • Psychological functioning is crucial for children, especially those with chronic illnesses like HIV.
  • Understanding the factors influencing adjustment in pediatric HIV is essential for effective support.
  • Existing models of stress and coping may offer insights into the psychological well-being of children with HIV.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare psychological functioning between children with HIV and healthy controls.
  • To investigate the applicability of a stress and coping model in pediatric HIV.
  • To identify predictors of psychological adjustment in children with HIV.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of HIV-infected children (ages 6-16) and healthy controls, along with their caregivers, were recruited.
  • Psychological adjustment, health locus of control, and coping styles were assessed using standardized measures.
  • Caregiver and child self-report data were collected during routine clinic visits.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in overall psychological adjustment were found between HIV-infected and control groups.
  • The control group reported higher rates of internalizing behavior problems.
  • A stress and coping model explained 36% of the variance in psychological adjustment for children with HIV, with age and coping style as significant predictors.

Conclusions:

  • Rates of psychological adjustment problems were comparable between children with HIV and healthy children, with higher rates in the healthy group.
  • Children with HIV who were unaware of their diagnosis and those using emotion-focused coping strategies reported more adjustment difficulties.
  • The findings highlight the importance of coping strategies and diagnosis disclosure in the psychological well-being of children with HIV.
Abstract

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