Self-esteem of young adults with chronic health conditions: appraising the effects of perceived impact.
The relationships between selected condition characteristics and self-esteem were investigated in a randomly drawn, community-based sample of 286 young adults with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Whether appraisals of the impact of the condition mediated relationships between condition characteristics and self-esteem, as measured by the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, was also measured. As a group, the youth in this sample reported positive self-esteem. When sociodemographic and condition-related variables were considered simultaneously, maternal education, unpredictability of symptoms, prognosis, sensory impairment, and the presence of a co-occurring learning disability were found to have direct effects on esteem. Perceived impact mediated the relationship between condition characteristics and self-esteem. The results are discussed in relation to the role of impact appraisal in determining the emotional well-being of young adults with chronic illnesses.
Ireys
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Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Hygiene and Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Gross
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Werthamer-Larsson
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Kolodner
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D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D010552:Personality Assessment; D010553:Personality Development; D011632:Public Assistance; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000523:psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D012803:Sick Role