Maternal adaptation to pediatric neurosurgical diagnosis: a growth curve analysis

To describe trajectories of change in maternal adaptation to chronic pediatric neurosurgical diagnosis and to identify variables predicting the level and rate of adaptation.

One hundred and thirty seven mothers of children diagnosed with neurosurgical illness participated. Mothers reported socio-demographic variables, neuroticism, optimism, spouse support, mental health, and personal growth. The coordinating nurse assessed illness variables. Data were collected from diagnosis to 32+months post-diagnosis.

Results showed poor maternal mental health at diagnosis, followed by a gradual improvement over the next 18 months, and then a slight regression. Optimism, spouse support and religiosity were identified as resistance factors, while neuroticism, treatment needs, maternal age, and maternal education were identified as risk factors. The rate of change in mental health was moderated by neuroticism.

Maternal adaptation to pediatric illness changes over time. The trajectories of adaptation vary in relation to personal, social and medical variables.