Rebellious Behaviors in Adolescents With Epilepsy. (30th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, Aimee W; Mara, Constance; Ollier, Shannon; Combs, Angela; Modi, Avani C
• Is Part Of: Journal of pediatric psychology. Volume 43:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 52
• Page End: 60
• Publication Date: 2017-05-30
• Subjects: adherence -- family functioning -- inattention -- quality of life -- seizure; Clinical child psychology -- Periodicals; 618.9289005
• DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsx089
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-8693

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: The study aims are to (1) examine the prevalence of risk-taking (i.e., behaviors that can be categorized as rebellious or reckless) and (2) determine the influence of risk-taking on adherence, seizures, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescents with epilepsy. An exploratory aim was to identify predictors of risk-taking. Methods: Fifty-four adolescents with epilepsy ( M = 15.33 ± 1.46 years) and caregivers completed questionnaires on demographics, risk-taking, parent–child relations, adolescent inattention/hyperactivity, and HRQOL at four time points across 1 year. Seizure occurrence and electronically monitored adherence were also collected. Results: Rebellious behaviors were normative and stable over 1 year in adolescents with epilepsy. Higher rebelliousness was related to poorer adolescent-reported memory HRQOL. The only significant positive predictor of rebellious behaviors was adolescent age. Conclusions: Adolescents with epilepsy endorsed normative levels of rebelliousness, which is negatively related to HRQOL. Older adolescents may warrant clinical attention.