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Family dynamics and psychosocial functioning in children with SCI/D from Colombia, South America
Insights
Family dynamics significantly impact the psychosocial functioning of children with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). Positive family factors like satisfaction and cohesion are linked to better child outcomes in worry, anxiety, and emotional health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Family Studies
Background:
- Children with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) face unique psychosocial challenges.
- Family environment is a critical factor influencing child development and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between family dynamics and psychosocial functioning in children with SCI/D.
- To identify specific family factors that correlate with children's emotional and social well-being.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 30 children (8-17 years) with SCI/D and their primary caregivers.
- Children completed self-report measures of psychosocial functioning (depression, anxiety, quality of life).
- Caregivers completed validated questionnaires assessing family dynamics (adaptability, cohesion, communication, satisfaction, coping).
Main Results:
- Significant bivariate correlations were found between child and family variables.
- Family satisfaction, empathy, and flexibility explained 27% of the variance in child worry.
- Family satisfaction and communication explained 18% of the variance in child social anxiety.
- Family cohesion and communication explained 23% of the variance in child emotional functioning.
Conclusions:
- Family dynamics play a crucial role in the psychosocial adjustment of children with SCI/D.
- Rehabilitation professionals should consider family systems when developing interventions for this population.
- Strengthening family satisfaction, communication, cohesion, and flexibility may improve child psychosocial outcomes.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to examine the connections between family dynamics and the psychosocial functioning of children with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D).
Design:
Cross-sectional.
Setting:
Participants were recruited from communities in Neiva, Colombia.
Participants:
Thirty children with SCI/D and their primary caregiver participated. Children were between 8 and 17 years of age, and had sustained their injury at least six months prior to data collection.
Interventions:
NA.
Outcome Measures:
Participating children completed measures assessing their own psychosocial functioning (Children's Depression Inventory, Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale-2, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory), and their primary caregiver completed measures of family dynamics (Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale- Fourth Edition, Family Communication Scale, Family Assessment Device- General Functioning, Family Satisfaction Scale, Relationship-Focused Coping Scale).
Results:
A correlation matrix showed a number of significant bivariate correlations between child and family variables, and three multiple regressions showed that family satisfaction, empathy, and flexibility significantly explained 27% of the variance in child worry; family satisfaction and communication explained 18% of the variance in child social anxiety; and family cohesion and communication explained 23% of the variance in child emotional functioning.
Conclusions:
These findings highlight the importance of rehabilitation professionals considering the association between family dynamics and the psychosocial functioning of children with SCI/D when working with this population.
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