Life changes and protective capacities in enuretic and non-enuretic children

Life changes and protective factors of 156 enuretic and 170 non-enuretic 7-yr-old children were analysed using the multi-item Life Change Unit method and psychological examination. Of the single life events, divorce or separation were seen to increase the risk of enuresis. The weighted life change scores were significantly higher for the enuretics than for the controls at age levels of 3, 5 and 6 yrs. Secondary night-wetting was precipitated by increased life stress, but this was not the case with secondary day-wetting. Repression showed a predominance in enuretics. A strong ego was found to serve as a protective factor against enuresis under changing life conditions.