Faculty Collaboration Database

The importance of self-perceptions to psychosocial adjustment in adolescents with heart disease. J Pediatr Health Care 2014;28(3):251-61

Date

08/06/2013

Pubmed ID

23910944

Pubmed Central ID

PMC4518862

DOI

10.1016/j.pedhc.2013.05.006

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84899085338 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   13 Citations

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This study examined the importance of self-perceptions as determinants of psychosocial adjustment reported by adolescents with heart disease and compared adolescents with heart disease to healthy norms.

METHODS: Ninety-two adolescents with heart disease from a single Midwestern institution provided reports of self-perceptions (health, self-worth, competence, and importance), internalizing behavior problems (IPs; e.g., anxiety and depression) and externalizing behavior problems (EPs; e.g., attention problems and aggression), and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Hierarchical linear regression was used to assess the impact of self-perceptions, as well as clinical factors (e.g., illness severity, time since last hospitalization, and medications) and demographic characteristics on outcomes.

RESULTS: Self-perceptions explained the most variance in behavioral and HRQOL outcomes (R(2)adj = 0.34 for IP, 0.24 for EP, and 0.33 for HRQOL, p < .001). Male gender and lower household income were associated with more behavior problems. Clinical variables were only related to HRQOL. Compared with healthy norms, IPs were significantly more common in male adolescents and HRQOL was lower (p < .001).

DISCUSSION: Adolescents with heart disease are at risk for internalizing behavior problems and reduced HRQOL; however, positive self-perceptions appear to be protective. Self-perceptions are critical and should be addressed by clinicians.

Author List

Mussatto KA, Sawin KJ, Schiffman R, Leske J, Simpson P, Marino BS

Authors

Kathleen Mussatto Ph.D. Associate Professor in the School of Nursing department at Milwaukee School of Engineering
Rachel Schiffman BS,MS,PhD Associate Dean for Research in the College of Nursing department at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Pippa M. Simpson PhD Adjunct Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin

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

Adaptation, Psychological
Adolescent
Aggression
Anxiety
Child
Child Behavior Disorders
Depression
Female
Heart Diseases
Humans
Linear Models
Male
Psychology, Adolescent
Psychology, Child
Psychometrics
Quality of Life
Self Concept
Severity of Illness Index
Sickness Impact Profile
Surveys and Questionnaires