Faculty Collaboration Database

Family psychological factors in relation to children's asthma status and behavioral adjustment at age 4. Fam Process 2008 Mar;47(1):41-61

Date

04/17/2008

Pubmed ID

18411829

DOI

10.1111/j.1545-5300.2008.00238.x

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-40749096448 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   39 Citations

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to determine whether family psychosocial factors influenced asthma development by age 4, and whether family factors and early wheezing illness were associated with behavioral adjustment at age 4. Participants were 98 children enrolled in an intervention study at 9-24 months and followed to age 4. Baseline evaluations assessed infants' respiratory illness severity, family psychosocial characteristics, and parental risk factors for asthma development. Active asthma categorization at age 4 utilized both parent report and objective data. Parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Caregiver single-parent status, a composite of baseline family stresses, and early wheezing illness severity were associated with active asthma at age 4. The contribution of prenatal smoke exposure and early hospitalization to active asthma varied with racial/ethnic group membership. Maternal mental health and family stresses predicted CBCL scores at age 4, whereas early illness severity and hospitalization were unrelated to CBCL scores. CBCL scores were not elevated for children with active asthma at age 4. Family factors consistent with a negative emotional environment were associated with both active asthma and adjustment problems at age 4, suggesting that both outcomes may be influenced by a common factor.

Author List

Klinnert MD, Kaugars AS, Strand M, Silveira L

Author

Astrida Kaugars PhD Associate Professor of Psychology in the Psychology department at Marquette University

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adaptation, Psychological
Asthma
Child, Preschool
Demography
Family
Family Health
Female
Health Status
Humans
Infant
Male
Maternal Welfare
Mental Health
Parent-Child Relations
Pilot Projects
Psychological Tests
Psychometrics
Risk Factors
Social Adjustment
Socioeconomic Factors
Stress, Psychological