This study examined the psychosocial adjustment of children with asthm
a compared to children with diabetes, with cancer, and healthy childre
n and the role of functional status in psychosocial adjustment. The to
tal sample included 100 children, aged 8-16 years, (mean = 11.5 years)
, consisting of 48 boys and 52 girls. Children with asthma scored sign
ificantly higher on measures of affective adjustment (depression and i
nternalizing behavior), significantly lower on self-esteem, and eviden
ced significantly greater functional impairment. Children with cancer
missed significantly more school days. After controlling for functiona
l status, no significant differences remained in affective adjustment
but absences remained significantly higher for the children with cance
r.