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Psychological differences between children with and without chronic encopresis.
Daniel J Cox1, James B Morris, Stephen M Borowitz
1University of Virginia, Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA. djc4f@virginia.edu
Journal of Pediatric Psychology
|September 14, 2002
Summary
Children with encopresis exhibit more psychological issues like anxiety and behavioral problems compared to peers. Addressing these psychological factors may improve treatment outcomes for encopresis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Child Psychiatry
Background:
- Encopresis, or fecal incontinence, affects a significant number of children.
- Understanding the psychological underpinnings of encopresis is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate a theoretical model of encopresis based on psychological factors.
- To identify specific psychometric scales that differentiate children with and without chronic encopresis.
Main Methods:
- Compared 86 children with encopresis to 62 non-symptomatic children.
- Utilized five psychometric instruments to assess psychological parameters.
- Analyzed differences in mean scores and clinical threshold exceedances between groups.
Main Results:
- Children with encopresis showed higher rates of anxiety/depression, attention difficulties, and disruptive behaviors.
- Family environments of encopretic children were characterized by less expressiveness and poorer organization.
- Poorer school performance was noted in children with encopresis; self-esteem did not differ significantly.
Conclusions:
- Children with encopresis, as a group, present with distinct psychological profiles.
- Clinically significant psychological issues were present in a minority of encopretic children.
- Targeting identified psychological factors may enhance the efficacy of encopresis treatment.