Degree Type
Honors Capstone Project
Date of Submission
Spring 5-1-2005
Capstone Advisor
Barbara H. Fiese, Ph.D.
Honors Reader
Tanya L. Eckert, Ph.D
Capstone Major
Psychology
Capstone College
Arts and Science
Audio/Visual Component
no
Capstone Prize Winner
no
Won Capstone Funding
no
Honors Categories
Social Sciences
Subject Categories
Biological Psychology | Clinical Psychology | Psychology
Abstract
Asthma is the leading chronic illness among children, and children with asthma have an increased risk not only for physical problems, but also for social and emotional difficulties related to their asthma. These risks are compounded when children have a caregiver who is depressed. The effects of maternal depression for children are complex and have been shown to persist into adolescence and adulthood. This is especially important because children with asthma, who are already at risk for psychopathology, may have increased internalizing and externalizing problems when their primary caregivers have depression or display depressive symptoms. Because depression affects cognitive functioning and energy and motivation levels, maternal depression may also be a risk factor associated with poorer medical adherence in children with asthma. This study of 96 children with asthma and their primary caregivers examined the relationship between psychopathology in caregivers and their children with asthma. It was predicted that children who have a caregiver with depression would have increased internalizing and externalizing disorders. Results from caregiver and teacher reports indicated that regardless of socioeconomic status, caregiver depression was associated with increased externalizing disorders in children with asthma. Caregiver reports of poorer quality of life were also associated with internalizing and externalizing disorders in children.
Recommended Citation
Benson, Jaime L., "The Relationship Between Psychopathology in Caregivers and their Children with Asthma" (2005). Renée Crown University Honors Thesis Projects - All. 692.
https://surface.syr.edu/honors_capstone/692
Creative Commons License
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