Self-worth, perceived competence, and behaviour problems in children with cerebral palsy.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relevance of physical disabilities for self-worth and perceived competence in children with cerebral palsy (CP), and to examine associations between behaviour problems and self-worth and perceived competence.


METHODS
The Harter scales for self-worth and perceived competence and a new scale for perceived motor competence were used in a sample of 80 children with CP. Their motor functioning was assessed with the Gross Motor Functioning Measure (GMFM) and behaviour problems with the Child Behaviour Check List administered to parents.


RESULTS
Self-worth and perceived competence for children with CP were comparable to the Dutch norm sample, except for perceived athletic competence. Within the CP sample, the GMFM showed a domain-specific effect on perceived motor competence. In the multivariate analysis, internalizing problems were associated negatively with all perceived competence scales and self-worth, whereas aggression was positively associated with perceived motor competence, physical appearance, and self-worth.


CONCLUSIONS
Children with CP appear resilient against challenges posed to their self-worth caused by their disabilities. The relevance of the physical disability appears to be domain-specific. For internalizing problems and aggression, different theoretical models are needed to account for their associations with self-worth and perceived competence.
Schuengel
Carlo
C
Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 1, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands. c.schuengel@psy.vu.nl
Voorman
Jeanine
J
Stolk
Joop
J
Dallmeijer
Annet
A
Vermeer
Adri
A
Becher
Jules
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000374:Aggression; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012649:Self Concept