Coping styles, psychological functioning and quality of life in children with asthma

Authors: Marsac, M. L.; Funk, J. B.¹; Nelson, L.²

Source: Child: Care, Health and Development, Volume 33, Number 4, July 2007 , pp. 360-367(8)

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Abstract:

Background

Previous research suggests that children dealing with the asthma are at a greater risk for experiencing psychological maladjustment than children without asthma. Research also suggests that coping is a factor in psychological adaptation to chronic stressors such as physical illnesses. The question as to how coping relates to psychological functioning and quality of life in the paediatric asthma population has not yet been answered. The objective of the current study was to examine the relationships among coping, psychological functioning and quality of life in children diagnosed with asthma and to investigate the relationship that mothers' quality of life has with these variables. Methods

Forty-seven youths (aged 8-15 years) diagnosed with asthma completed measures of coping with asthma and quality of life. Each youth's mother completed measures of her child's coping, psychological functioning and her own quality of life. Results

Mothers and children with asthma both reported that children used significantly more approach coping than avoidant coping when dealing with asthma. Three regression analyses indicated that avoidant coping negatively predicted psychological functioning, child's quality of life and mother's quality of life. Bivariate analyses also indicated a positive relationship between child's quality of life and mother's quality of life. Conclusions

Results indicate that, in children with asthma, coping style plays an important role in the child's psychological functioning and quality of life and mother's quality of life. Therefore, it is recommended that type of coping be assessed when developing comprehensive treatment plans for children with asthma. Further research is needed to determine the efficacy of focused coping interventions in improving quality of life and psychological functioning in children with asthma.

Keywords: asthma; coping; psychology; quality of life

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2214.2006.00701.x

Affiliations: 1: University of Toledo, and 2: Division of Allergy/Immunology, Medical University of Ohio, OH, USA

Publication date: 2007-07-01

Coping styles, psychological functioning and quality of life in children with asthma

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