PSYCHOLOGICAL ADJUSTMENT OF CHILDREN WITH MILD AND MODERATELY SEVERE ASTHMA

The relationship between the severity and duration of asthma and psych ological adjustment was investigated in 29 children with mild and 31 c hildren with moderately severe asthma, who were compared with 60 healt hy control children. The severity of asthma was evaluated using the Pe arlman-Bierman classification. Psychological adjustment was measured u sing the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and a semi-structur ed interview. The results of the interviews indicated that regressive symptoms such as clinging, childish behaviour, dependence, and a deman ding nature were widespread. Using the illness in the service of achie ving other aims was also common in the asthmatic children. CBCL total problem behaviour scores, social competency, and broad band scores wer e significantly higher in the asthmatic group than the control sample. Problem scores for asthmatic children were significantly correlated w ith parental friction at home, unsatisfactory relationships with sibli ngs and other health problems in children. However, neither the CBCL t otal problem scores nor the social competency scores were correlated w ith the severity and the duration of illness.