Family dynamics and psychosocial functioning in children with SCI/D from Colombia, South America. (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nicolais, Christina J.; Perrin, Paul B.; Panyavin, Ivan; Nicholls, Elizabeth G.; Olivera Plaza, Silvia Leonor; Quintero, Lorena Medina; Arango-Lasprilla, Juan Carlos
• Is Part Of: Journal of spinal cord medicine. Volume 39:Number 1(2016:Jan.)
• Page Start: 58
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: Emotional status -- Family -- Health-related quality of life -- Pediatrics -- Psychosocial factors -- Spinal cord injuries -- Spinal dysraphism; Spinal cord -- Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Spinal cord -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.8305
• DOI: 10.1179/2045772314Y.0000000291
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1079-0268

Abstract

Abstract : 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.