Neuropsychological Functioning, Parenting Behaviors, and Healthcare Behaviors Among Youth with Spina Bifida

<p><bold>Objective</bold> This study was designed to examine whether neurocognitive functioning (attention and executive functions) and parenting behaviors (acceptance, behavioral control and psychological control) are associated with medical adherence and autonomy among preadolescents and adolescents with spina bifida. <bold>Methods</bold> Questionnaire and observational data were collected from a sample of 8 to 15 year olds with spina bifida (n = 139) and their mothers, fathers, and teachers. Youth also completed neuropsychological testing. <bold>Results</bold> Youth with spina bifida demonstrated impairment on measures of attention and executive function, based on questionnaire and test data. Attention, executive function, and parenting behaviors were associated with medical adherence and autonomy. Analyses also suggest that parenting behaviors moderate the relation between neurocognitive functioning and healthcare behaviors. <bold>Conclusions</bold> Interventions that target attention, executive function, and parenting behaviors may facilitate positive healthcare behavior outcomes among youth with spina bifida.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

School of Education

Year dc:date.available

2012

Author dc:creator

• O'Hara, Lauren Kelly

• adherence
• attention
• autonomy
• executive function
• parenting behaviors
• spina bifida
• Clinical Psychology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://ecommons.luc.edu/luc_diss/373

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ecommons.luc.edu:luc_diss-1372