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Children's asthma, internalizing problems, and social functioning: an urban perspective
Jennifer Bender Berz1, Karla Klein Murdock, Daphne Koinis Mitchell
1Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125-3393, USA. jbender@post.harvard.edu
Summary
Asthma did not increase psychosocial problems in urban children. Instead, depression and anxiety symptoms were linked to poorer social functioning for all children, regardless of health status.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Pediatric Health
- Urban Health
Background:
- Asthma is a common chronic condition in children.
- Previous research suggested asthma might be a risk factor for psychosocial issues.
- Urban environments present unique challenges for child development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if asthma is a risk factor for psychosocial problems in urban school-aged children.
- To explore the relationship between asthma and psychosocial difficulties.
- To understand factors influencing social functioning in urban children.
Main Methods:
- Interview data were collected from 48 urban school-aged children and their mothers.
- The study included children with asthma (n=27) and without asthma (n=21).
- Psychosocial problems and social functioning were assessed.
Main Results:
- Asthma was not found to be a significant risk factor for psychosocial problems in this sample.
- Children experiencing more symptoms of depression and anxiety showed poorer social functioning.
- This association between mental health symptoms and social functioning was independent of asthma status.
Conclusions:
- Psychosocial difficulties in urban children warrant attention, irrespective of underlying health conditions like asthma.
- Interventions should address co-occurring mental health and social functioning challenges.
- Focusing on symptoms of depression and anxiety is crucial for improving social outcomes in urban children.