LONG-TERM PSYCHOSOCIAL ADAPTATION OF CHILDREN WHO SURVIVE BURNS INVOLVING 80-PERCENT OR GREATER TOTAL-BODY SURFACE-AREA

Objective: To examine the psychosocial adjustment of survivors of mass ive pediatric burn injuries, the change in adjustment across time, and the impact on parents. Background: Patients/parents were assessed at regular intervals postburn using standardized tests of adjustment. Pat ients who could not be included in standardized longitudinal assessmen ts were administered questionnaires by mail/telephone. Methods: The Ch ild Behavior Checklist, the Teacher Report Farm, the Youth Self Report Form, and the Parenting Stress Index were utilized to assess adjustme nt. Results: On all objective measures, the group of survivors and the ir parents were within normal limits. Adjustment neither improved nor deteriorated over time. Conclusion: Children who survive massive burn injuries can achieve positive psychosocial adaptation.