Role of child and maternal processes in the psychological adjustment of children with sickle cell disease.

Authors:
  • KGKaren M. Gil
    Karen M. Gil
  • DBDaniel J. Burbach
    Daniel J. Burbach
  • BKBarbara R. Keith
    Barbara R. Keith
  • EAEt al
    Et al
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Abstract
In this study, 64% of children aged 7-12 years with sickle cell disease were found to have a parent-reported behavior problem, and 50% met the criteria for a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (3rd ed.) diagnosis based on a structural clinical interview of the child. Internalizing types of behavior problems and diagnoses were the most frequent. Support was provided for a transactional stress and coping model in delineating the processes associated with child adjustment. In particular, maternal anxiety accounted for 16%-33% of the variance in mother-reported internalizing and externalizing behavior problems, respectively, and child pain-coping strategies accounted for 21% of the variance in child-reported adjustment problems.