Childhood functional status, family stressors, and psychosocial adjustment among school-aged children with disabilities in the United States.
BACKGROUND
During the last 30 years, several studies have indicated that children with disabilities are at increased risk for emotional and behavioral morbidity. Population-based studies are needed to understand the relationship between functional status, family stressors, and the psychosocial adjustment of children with disabilities.


METHODS
Using data from the 1994 and 1995 National Health Interview Surveys, Disability Supplement, this study examines the associations between children's functional status, family stressors, and the psychosocial adjustment of school-aged children with disabilities.


RESULTS
Regression analyses indicate that children's functional impairments in the areas of communication or learning, poor maternal health and mental health, family burden, and poverty are significantly and positively associated with psychosocial maladjustment among children with disabilities.


CONCLUSIONS
Children's functional activity limitations and family stressors are significant correlates of psychosocial adjustment among children with disabilities. These data indicate a need for routine screening for mental health problems among children with disabilities, as well as a family-oriented approach to their medical care.
Witt
Whitney P
WP
Harvard Pediatric Health Services Research Fellowship Program, Harvard University, School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. whitwitt@aol.com
Riley
Anne W
AW
Coiro
Mary Jo
MJ
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002648:Child; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007806:Language Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012737:Sex Factors; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States