Does attitude toward epilepsy mediate the relationship between perceived stigma and mental health outcomes in children with epilepsy?
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which children's attitude toward epilepsy mediates the relationship between perceived stigma and the mental health outcomes of self-concept, behavioral problems, and social competence.


METHODS
Subjects were 173 youth aged 9-14 who had been diagnosed and treated for epilepsy for at least 6 months. A secondary data analysis from a larger study was completed to test if the children's attitude mediated the relationship between stigma and mental health outcomes using multiple regression.


RESULTS
Children's attitude was found to mediate the relationships between stigma and self-concept and behavior problems, respectively. In contrast, attitude did not mediate the relationship between stigma and social competence.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that enhancing a more positive attitude toward having epilepsy might help improve problems with poor self-concept or behavior problems, but might not influence social competence.
Funderburk
Janet A
JA
Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, East Carolina University, Belk Annex 1, Greenville, NC 27858-4353, USA.
McCormick
Bryan P
BP
Austin
Joan K
JK
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D008605:Mental Health Services; D011287:Prejudice; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012938:Social Perception; D013240:Stereotyping