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Behavioral adjustment of latency age children with cystic fibrosis
Insights
Latency-age children with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) experience more behavioral issues as they transition from family protection. However, they often maintain good self-concept and social skills through distinct coping mechanisms for males and females.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Child Development
- Chronic Illness Management
Background:
- Children with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) face unique developmental challenges.
- The latency age (6-11 years) is a critical period for social and emotional development.
- Understanding psychological adjustment in chronically ill children is crucial for effective care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the psychological adjustment of latency-age children with Cystic Fibrosis.
- To identify behavioral problems and self-concept in this population.
- To explore gender differences in adjustment and coping mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 108 latency-age children with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and their parents.
- Children completed the Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale and Children's Health Locus of Control.
- Parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist and Family Assessment Measure.
Main Results:
- Twenty-three percent of children exhibited significant behavioral problems, indicating maladjustment.
- Latency-age CF children showed increased problems compared to preschool-aged children.
- Males displayed more behavioral issues, particularly somatic complaints, than females.
- Despite challenges, CF children maintained good social competence and self-concept.
- Gender-specific compensatory mechanisms were observed: females' self-concept and social competence were mutually supportive, unlike males.
- Female behavior was linked to family functioning, suggesting different adjustment strategies.
Conclusions:
- Transitioning away from family protection presents challenges for latency-age children with CF.
- Gender plays a significant role in behavioral problems and coping strategies among children with CF.
- Compensatory mechanisms, differing by gender, help CF children maintain positive self-concept and social competence.
- Family functioning appears particularly relevant for females' adjustment to chronic illness.
Abstract:
One hundred and twenty-six 6 to 11-year-old latency age children with Cystic Fibrosis regularly attending the CF clinic of the Hospital for Sick Children were asked to complete the Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale and the Children's Health Locus of Control. Their parents were requested to complete the Child Behavior Checklist and the Family Assessment Measure. One hundred and eight (86%) participated in the study. Twenty-three percent of the children were found to have sufficient behavior problems to indicate a significant degree of maladjustment. Latency-age CF children show an increase in problems compared to a pre-school group, suggesting that leaving the protection of the family is problematic for a child with a chronic physical disorder. Males show more behavior problems than females. Males' behavior is characterized by somatic complaint profile. In spite of difficulties, CF latency children are able to maintain good social competence and self-concept suggesting compensatory mechanisms. These mechanisms are different for males and females. Females' self-concept and social competence are supportive of each other, whereas for males, this is not the case. Similarly, female behavior is relevant to family functioning. Males and females adjust to difficulty as indicated by differences in behavior profiles.