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Family processes in pediatric asthma

Marianne P Celano1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 49 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA. mcelano@emory.edu

Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|September 14, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Family dynamics significantly impact pediatric asthma control. Interventions targeting family processes, like systemic consultation, show promise for managing childhood asthma effectively.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric pulmonology
  • Family systems psychology
  • Behavioral medicine

Background:

  • Pediatric asthma is a complex condition influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.
  • Family processes play a crucial role in the management and outcomes of childhood asthma.
  • An integrated biopsychosocial model is essential for understanding asthma's multifactorial nature.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review literature on family processes influencing pediatric asthma.
  • To identify mechanisms through which family characteristics affect asthma outcomes.
  • To evaluate family-focused interventions for improving asthma control.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of studies on family processes and pediatric asthma.
  • Analysis of proposed mechanisms linking family characteristics to asthma outcomes.
  • Examination of existing family-focused intervention strategies.

Main Results:

  • Caregiver psychological functioning, parenting styles, and family dynamics are associated with asthma outcomes.
  • These family factors impact asthma through management behaviors and psychophysiological pathways.
  • Psychoeducation and family therapy are common family-focused interventions, with alternative models also noted.

Conclusions:

  • Evidence supports the contribution of family processes to pediatric asthma outcomes.
  • Few theory-based family interventions are currently available for children with asthma.
  • Systemic consultation and biobehavioral family interventions show promise for poorly controlled asthma.
Abstract

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