Psychosocial Adjustment in Emerging Adults With and Without Spina Bifida: A 14-Year Follow-up Study. Issue 1 (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Holmbeck, Grayson N.; Kritikos, Tessa K.
• Is Part Of: Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics. Volume 43:Issue 1(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: spina bifida -- psychosocial adjustment -- emerging adulthood -- young adults; Child development -- Periodicals; Developmental disabilities -- Periodicals; Behavior disorders in children -- Periodicals; Learning disabilities -- Periodicals; Child psychiatry -- Periodicals; 618.92805
• DOI: 10.1097/DBP.0000000000000956
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0196-206X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective: A 14-year follow-up of youth with spina bifida (SB), as compared to a matched comparison sample without a chronic health condition, focused on psychosocial adjustment during emerging adulthood (ages 22–23). Methods: The initial cohort at time 1 consisted of 68 families with an 8-year-old or 9-year-old child with SB and a matched comparison sample of 68 typically developing children and their families. At the final assessment (time 7), participants included 56 emerging adults with SB (82% of those who participated at time 1) and 62 comparison youth (91% of those who participated at time 1) who completed a set of self-report measures. Results: Emerging adults with SB continue to lag behind across several important developmental milestones, including decision-making responsibility, involvement in social and romantic relationships, sexual intimacy, educational and vocational achievement, financial independence, and engagement in health-related behaviors. However, from a resilience perspective, these individuals also exhibited a number of strengths across the following areas: identity development, quality of social supports, and fewer problem behaviors (e.g., alcohol and other substance use). Most findings were still significant after controlling for a verbal intelligence quotient proxy. Conclusion: This study highlighted vulnerabilities and strengths of individuals with SB as they enter emerging adulthood, with considerable continuity across childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood.