Factors associated with self-concept in children with asthma.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship of demographic asthma, family, and child factors with self-concept in children with asthma.


METHODS
Data were collected twice approximately 4 years apart from both the affected children and their mothers (N = 134) via interviews and self-report questionnaire.


RESULTS
Children who demonstrated more negative attitudes toward their illness, had less satisfaction with family relationships, and used more negative coping behaviors had the poorest self-concepts. Over time, the greatest improvement in self-concept occurred in children whose attitudes and satisfaction with family relationships improved and whose use of negative coping behaviors decreased.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that some children with asthma, especially girls with severe asthma, appear to be at risk for poor self-concept.
McNelis
A M
AM
Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, USA.
Huster
G A
GA
Michel
M
M
Hollingsworth
J
J
Eigen
H
H
Austin
J K
JK
D000293:Adolescent; D001249:Asthma / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010371:Pediatric Nursing; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D012649:Self Concept