Self-management, satisfaction with family functioning, and the course of psychological symptoms in emerging adults with spina bifida.

OBJECTIVE

To explore psychological symptoms in emerging adults with spina bifida (SB) and their association with self-management and satisfaction with family functioning.

METHODS

Longitudinal data were collected at 2 time points, 15 months apart, in 48 individuals with SB. Reliable change indices and paired samples t-tests assessed change in anxiety and depressive symptoms. Hierarchical regression models explored the contributions of SB severity, family satisfaction, and self-management in explaining change in psychological symptoms.

RESULTS

No significant group level differences in psychological symptoms were found across time in participants (Mean age 22 years), but significant individual-level change in anxiety symptoms (n = 13) and depressive symptoms (n = 9) was observed. Improved satisfaction with family functioning was associated with decreased anxiety symptoms (b = -0.30, p = .02), and increased SB self-management was related to reduced depressive symptoms (b = -0.63, p = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in self-management and satisfaction with family functioning may influence the course of psychological symptoms.