Children with congenital heart defects : the impact of Down Syndrome on emotional and behavioural adjustment, participation in health related behaviours and parental beliefs

Wilson, Claire Louise

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of Down syndrome* on children (6-15 years old) with Congenital Heart Defects (CUD) Emotional and behavioural adjustment, participation in health related behaviour and parental beliefs were examined in a group of 15 children with CHD and Down syndrome. A comparison group of 15 children with CHD, without Down syndrome, were also recruited. Standardised questionnaires were used to investigate emotional and behavioural adjustment, a checklist was devised in order to assess participation in health related behaviours, and a knowledge and belief interview was conducted in order to elicit parental beliefs about CHD.

Results showed that no significant differences were found between children with CHD, and children with CHD and Down syndrome in the areas of emotional and behavioural adjustment and participation in health related behaviours. Children without Down syndrome tended to demonstrate more emotional and behavioural problems, although not at a statistically significant level A significant relationship between emotional and behavioural adjustment, and participation in health related behaviours was not observed. An examination of parental beliefs revealed that there was no significant association between the presence of Down syndrome and parental beliefs across four of the five illness representations, based on Leventhal’s model of self regulatory behaviour (Leventhal & Nerenz, 1985), The clinical implications of the findings are discussed.

Citation

Wilson, C. L. (2002). Children with congenital heart defects : the impact of Down Syndrome on emotional and behavioural adjustment, participation in health related behaviours and parental beliefs. (Thesis). University of Hull. Retrieved from https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4224349

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 6, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 24, 2023
• Keywords: Clinical psychology
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4224349
• Additional Information: Department of Clinical Psychology, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Jul 1, 2002