title: Factors related to the psychosocial functioning of youth with neonatal brachial plexus injuries.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Owing to the possible visible nature and functional impairments associated with neonatal brachial plexus injuries (NBPI), the current study investigated the relations of injury severity, social support, and coping strategies to social difficulties and self-concept in youth with NBPI.
  
  
  METHODS
  88 children (aged 10-17 years) with NBPI and their parent(s) were recruited from a national organization and two brachial plexus clinics. Participants completed a variety of questionnaires during their scheduled clinic visits.
  
  
  RESULTS
  More social support from classmates was associated with better self-concept and fewer social difficulties. Less frequent use of negative coping strategies was associated with better self-concept and fewer social difficulties and was a significant moderator of the relation between injury severity and self-concept.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinicians who work with children with NBPI should consider peer support and coping strategies when promoting the psychosocial functioning of these youth.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Pediatric Rehabilitation, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, and Brachial Plexus Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center jmentrik@mix.wvu.edu.
authors.forename: Janelle M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Mentrikoski
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Pediatric Rehabilitation, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, and Brachial Plexus Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
authors.forename: Christina L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Duncan
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Pediatric Rehabilitation, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, and Brachial Plexus Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Melanson
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Pediatric Rehabilitation, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, and Brachial Plexus Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Louden
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Pediatric Rehabilitation, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, and Brachial Plexus Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
authors.forename: Allison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Allgier
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Pediatric Rehabilitation, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, and Brachial Plexus Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Michaud
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Pediatric Rehabilitation, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, and Brachial Plexus Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rinaldi
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000293:injuries*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012919:Social Behavior; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: coping; neonatal brachial plexus injuries; psychosocial functioning; self-concept; social support