Bidirectional, longitudinal associations between chronic pain and family functioning in youth with spina bifida.

We examined longitudinal, bidirectional associations between chronic pain and family functioning in spina bifida (SB). We hypothesized a bidirectional association between pain and family functioning (cohesion and conflict); youth chronic pain status would be associated with maladaptive family functioning and maladaptive family functioning would be associated with youth chronic pain status. Method: Participants were from an ongoing longitudinal study of adolescents with SB (N = 140, 53.6% female, ages 8–15 at Time 1). Data were collected every 2 years, with this study using data from Times 1 and 2 (T1, T2; T1: 2006–2009, T2: 2008–2011). Parents reported on youth demographics and family functioning. Youth reported on family functioning and pain; pain was dichotomized into a categorical variable (chronic pain vs. no chronic pain). Family functioning (cohesion and conflict) was also assessed using observational data. Results: Youth chronic pain status was associated with decreased family conflict (child report) and increased cohesion (parent report) over time. Increased family conflict (parent report) was associated with a greater likelihood of reporting chronic pain 2 years later. Findings were nonsignificant between observed family conflict or cohesion and chronic pain in either direction. Discussion: With the presence of an additional stressor (chronic pain) families increase cohesion and reduce conflict. Increased conflict may increase a child’s vulnerability of devel...
Source: Families, Systems, and Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research