THE PSYCHOSOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN WITH FRACTURES

We examined the psychosocial characteristics of 52 children with fract ures. The parents completed questionnaires regarding injury circumstan ces, family functioning, home environment, and child behavior. Establi shed psychosocial questionnaires were used: the McMaster Family Assess ment Device (family environment), the Conners Parent Symptom Questionn aire, and Achenback Child Behavior Checklist (child behavior). Parent' s perception of family functioning fell within the average range. The children exhibited a significantly high degree of social competence pr oblems as well as behavioral difficulties. These behavioral difficulti es included conduct disorder features, psychosomatic complaints, and i mpulsive/hyperactive behavior. To the extent that these variables cons titute risk factors unique to children with fractures, prevention stra tegies can be designed to decrease the incidence of pediatric fracture s.