Full title: Behavior Problems in Children and Adolescents With Chronic Physical Illness: A Meta-Analysis.
Authors: Pinquart M, Shen Y.
Source Department of Psychology, Philipps University.
Publication: J Pediatr Psychol.
Publication date: 2011 Aug 1. [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To examine the risk of emotional and behavioral problems among children with a chronic physical illness.
METHODS:
Random-effects meta-analysis was computed to integrate the results of 569 studies that used the Child Behavior Checklist, Youth Self Report, and the Teacher Report Form.
RESULTS:
Young people with a chronic physical illness have higher levels of internalizing (g = .47 standard mean difference), externalizing (g = .22) and total behavior problems (g = .42) than healthy peers. The largest differences were found in parental ratings and the weakest differences in adolescent self-ratings. Strongest elevations of internalizing problems were found for chronic fatigue syndrome and strongest elevations of externalizing problems were observed for epilepsy and migraine/tension-type headache. Effects also varied by country and, in part, by age, gender, year of publication, and study design.
CONCLUSIONS:
The results call for regular screens for psychological distress and referrals for mental health services, when needed.
PMID:21810623[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
View this abstract in PubMed.
