Personal resources of protective-coping behavior of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis at the stage of preparation for surgery

Abstract

Objective. To analyze personal resources in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis at the stage of preparation for surgery.Material and Methods. The study involved 29 adolescents aged 12–17 years (7 boys and 22 girls) with grade III–IV idiopathic scoliosis. The survey was conducted within the first days of admission. The control group consisted of 30 adolescents aged 12–17 years without serious somatic diseases. The following diagnostic methods were used: analysis of medical records (case histories), semi-structured interview to assess the severity of traumatic experiences in children and adolescents, the Life Style Index questionnaire, the Coping Strategies Questionnaire, a self-assessment scale, and self-test questionnaire.Results. In adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis, events associated with the disease and preparation for surgery are accompanied by extreme level experiences manifested in medium and medium-high values of post-traumatic stress. Moderate symptoms of avoidance, hyperarousal and obsessive reproduction of traumatic episodes predominate in the structure of stress. Positive self-attitude indicators contribute to the activation of effective coping strategies and can be considered as an adaptive personal resource in a difficult life situation associated with a serious illness and the upcoming surgery.Conclusion. Understanding of personal resources that contribute to the formation of effective coping behavior in a difficult life situation associated with the disease and complex surgical treatment will optimize psychological preparation of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis for surgery.