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Cognitive Function, Coping, and Depressive Symptoms in Children and Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease

Kemar V Prussien1, Michael R DeBaun2, Janet Yarboi1

  • 1Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University.

Journal of Pediatric Psychology
|November 21, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Cognitive functioning and coping strategies are linked to fewer depressive symptoms in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Improving cognitive skills may help reduce depression in these youth.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Child Psychology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Sickle cell disease (SCD) significantly impacts children's quality of life.
  • Cognitive deficits and depressive symptoms are common comorbidities in pediatric SCD.
  • Understanding the interplay between cognition, coping, and mood is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between cognitive functioning (working memory, verbal comprehension) and coping strategies.
  • To investigate the association between cognitive function, coping, and depressive symptoms in children and adolescents with SCD.
  • To explore potential indirect pathways between cognitive abilities, coping, and mood.

Main Methods:

  • Forty-four children with SCD (mean age 9.30 years) underwent cognitive assessments.
  • Caregivers completed validated questionnaires on child's coping mechanisms and depressive symptoms.
  • Statistical analyses explored direct and indirect associations between variables.

Main Results:

  • Verbal comprehension positively correlated with secondary control coping strategies.
  • Both working memory and secondary control coping were negatively associated with depressive symptoms.
  • Verbal comprehension indirectly influenced depressive symptoms via secondary control coping.

Conclusions:

  • Cognitive function and coping are significantly associated with depressive symptoms in pediatric SCD.
  • Working memory directly impacts depressive symptoms, while verbal comprehension has an indirect effect through coping.
  • Interventions targeting cognitive enhancement may help alleviate depressive symptoms in children with SCD.
Abstract

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