Article

A developmentally oriented bio-neuropsychosocial model is introduced to explain
the variation in family functioning and psychosocial adjustment in youth and
young adults with spina bifida (SB). Research on the family functioning and
psychosocial adjustment of individuals with SB is reviewed. The findings of past
research on families of youth with SB support a resilience-disruption view of
family functioning. That is, the presence of a child with SB disrupts normative
family functioning but many families adapt to such disruption and exhibit
considerable resilience in the face of adversity. Parents of youth with SB, and
particularly those from lower socio-economic status (SES) homes, are at-risk for
psychosocial difficulties. Individuals with SB are at-risk for developing
internalizing symptoms, attention problems, educational difficulties, social
maladjustment, and delays in the development of independent functioning. Emerging
adults are often delayed in achieving milestones related to this stage of
development (e.g., vocational and educational achievements). Methodologically
sound, longitudinal, and theory-driven studies of family and psychosocial
functioning are needed, as are randomized family-based intervention trials, to
promote adaptive functioning and better psychosocial outcomes in families of
individuals with SB.

Langue : ANGLAIS