Depressive Symptoms and Self-Concept in Young People with Spina Bifida

Abstract

Examined self-reported depressive symptoms in 72 young people with spina bifida, ages 9 to 18:11, and matched able-bodied comparison subjects, using the Dimensions of Depression Profile for Children and Adolescents (Harter & Nowakowski, 1987). Independent variables included gender, self-perceptions (including physical appearance), and perceived social support. Young people with spina bifida were at greater risk of depressive mood, low self-worth, and suicidal ideation. Girls, independent of disability, were at greater risk of depressive mood, low self-worth, and self-blame. Multiple regression analyses suggest that global self-worth serves as a mediating variable for the effect of physical appearance self-concept on depressed mood (particularly in young people with spina bifida), and that perceived parental social support has a direct effect on depressed mood (particularly in girls).

Self-worth, perceived competence, and behaviour problems in children with cerebral palsy

“…The positive association of perceived competence (motor and physical appearance) and self-worth with aggression is a new finding. Previous studies did not examine aggression in relation to self-worth [12] or examined associations only bivariately [11]. The results of the current study should therefore be replicated in other studies before more definitive conclusions can be drawn.…”

“…Self-report studies of children with chronic physical disorders [11] and children with spina bifida [12] have found similar associations between internalizing problems and self-worth. These results confirm the appropriateness of clinical attention to low self-worth and perceptions of competence [31].…”

“…Of 244 children, 110 children and their parents returned the consent form with a positive response. Reasons for non-participation could be determined in 20 cases: language problems (four), moved without forwarding address (two), participation in other research (two) and family stress (12). Given the percentage of children from immigrant families within the patient population, language and cultural barriers might be suspected as a reason for non-participation.…”

“…A study of adolescents with CP [10] found that functional ability, female gender, perceived parental overprotectiveness, and perceived impact of the disease all were bivariately associated with global self-worth, but that in a multivariate analysis only perceived impact of the disease remained as a significant predictor. Individual differences in self-worth have been found associated with internalizing behaviour problems (depression, anxiety, withdrawal, somatization) in children with chronic physical diseases [11] and with spina bifida [12]. No studies were found examining individual differences in self-worth and perceived competence in relation to behaviour problems in samples of children with CP.…”

Psychosocial outcomes among youth with spinal cord injury by neurological impairment

“…This self-comparison is typical among youth 17 and may contribute to youth with AIS D injuries experiencing increased negative self-perceptions and psychosocial consequences, as research among youth with other disabilities has reflected. 18 Another explanation is supported by research finding that, regardless of injury level or classification, it is individuals' perceptions of their injury severity, not the objective category of their injury severity, that have been found to be significantly related to psychological well-being. 19 Future research should address the social integration of this subgroup of youth with SCI and also examine the relationship between perceived levels of injury severity and psychosocial outcomes among youth with SCI.…”