Search results for ‘Subject term:"spina bifida"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 2 of 2
Parents' personality and parenting stress in families of children with spina bifida
- Authors:
- VERMAES I. P. R., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Child: Care, Health and Development, 34(5), September 2008, pp.665-674.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Based on ideas of the Disability-Stress-Coping Model, relations between the severity of spina bifida (SB), parents' personality traits and parenting stress were examined in this Dutch study. Forty-six mothers and 37 fathers of children with SB (6–14 years) participated. Severity of SB (physical dysfunctions and cognitive functions), parental personality (Big Five) and parenting stress (Parenting Stress Index) were measured. Multiple regression analyses were performed. The severity of the child's physical dysfunctions was positively associated with parenting stress. Extraversion (mothers only), emotional stability and agreeableness (fathers only) were negatively related to parenting stress. In the final model, 64% of the variance in mothers' and 67% of the variance in fathers' levels of parenting stress was explained. Parents' personality traits explained the largest proportions of variance in parenting stress. Mobility, bladder and bowel dysfunctions in school-aged children with SB represent ongoing stressors for parents. Parents' intrapersonal resources of positive affectivity, however, are more important determinants of parental adjustment to SB than the child's physical dysfunctions.
Risk and protective influences in the lives of siblings of youths with spina bifida
- Authors:
- BELLIN Melissa H., KOVACS Pamela J., SAWIN Kathleen J.
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Work, 33(3), August 2008, pp.199-209.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
The impact of childhood chronic health conditions like spina bifida (SB) is a shared family experience. However, the lived experience of siblings is not well known. One hundred and fifty-five brothers and sisters of a child with SB responded to an open-ended question included in an anonymous self-administered mail questionnaire designed to enhance awareness of how adolescent siblings experience this chronic condition. Content analysis performed by interdisciplinary authors identified four domains - Rewards and Consequences of Spina Bifida, Journey Toward Acceptance of Spina Bifida, Emotional Climate of Siblings, and Qualities of the Social Environment - that depict emotional complexity in response to the diverse risk and protective influences present in the lives of siblings. By bolstering the siblings' strengths and resources found in their adaptive coping mechanisms, spirituality, cohesive family ties, and supportive peer friendships, social workers and other health care professionals may help them to successfully navigate the intense and confusing emotions that may naturally spring from the challenges and opportunities associated with SB.