Factors Associated With Self-Concept in Children With Asthma

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship of demographic asthma, family, and child factors with self-concept in children with asthma. METHODS: Data were collected twice approximately 4 years apart from both the affected children and their mothers (N = 134) via interviews and self-report questionnaire. FINDINGS: Children who demonstrated more negative attitudes toward their illness, had less satisfaction with family relationships, and used more negative coping behaviors had the poorest self-concepts. Over time, the greatest improvement in self-concept occurred in children whose attitudes and satisfaction with family relationships improved and whose use of negative coping behaviors decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that some children with asthma, especially girls with severe asthma, appear to be at risk for poor self-concept.