Date Approved
2006
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department or School
Psychology
Committee Member
Flora Hoodin, Ph.D., Chair
Committee Member
Karen Saules, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Michelle Byrd, Ph.D.
Abstract
How adolescents cope with the stress of bracing or spinal fusion surgery for idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and how coping might impact quality of life (QOL) for this population is unknown. The primary aim of this study was thus to examine these relationships.
Forty-eight adolescents participated in this cross-sectional study and completed the SRS-22r, the PedsQL, and the A-COPE during regularly scheduled orthopedic appointments. Treatment groups did not differ significantly on either dimension of coping (approach or avoidant) or on either measure of quality of life. In addition, neither dimension of coping moderated QOL. However, higher use of avoidant coping predicted lower QOL. In addition, QOL was comparable to healthy samples.
These findings suggest that, in general, AIS treatment does not significantly impair QOL, but use of avoidant coping does. Therefore, coping should be assessed to ascertain whether coping skills intervention is warranted in order to improve disease-specific QOL.
Recommended Citation
Kuhl, Elizabeth Shannon, "Coping and quality of life of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis" (2006). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 255.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/255