Self-concept of children with cerebral palsy measured using the population-specific myTREEHOUSE Self-Concept...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Self-concept is crucial for individual well-being.
• Research on self-concept in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is limited due to a lack of specific assessment tools.
• Understanding self-concept in children with CP is vital for targeted support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the self-concept of children with CP using the novel myTREEHOUSE Self-Concept Assessment.
• To examine the relationship between self-concept and factors like age, gender, motor, communication, and cognitive function in children with CP.

Main Methods:

• Employed the myTREEHOUSE Self-Concept Assessment and a standardized intelligence measure.
• Recruited 50 children with CP aged 8-12 years, with varying GMFCS-E&R levels.
• Analyzed self-concept across different performance perspectives and its association with demographic and functional variables.

Main Results:

• Most children with CP reported positive self-concept across all myTREEHOUSE Performance Perspectives.
• 60% of children scored in the Low range for the Personal Concern Score.
• Self-concept was not associated with age, gender, motor, or communication function.
• Cognitive function showed associations with Social Skills (Below Average > Average) and Learning Skills (Above Average > Average).

Conclusions:

• The study provides the first insights into the self-concept of children with CP using a dedicated instrument.
• Generally, children with CP exhibit a sound self-concept.
• Further research into environmental factors influencing self-concept development in this population is recommended.