The role of the family for behavioral outcome in children and adolescents following traumatic brain injury

J Consult Clin Psychol. 1999 Feb;67(1):116-23. doi: 10.1037//0022-006x.67.1.116.

Abstract

This study assessed the behavioral outcome of 51 children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) up to 2 years following injury. Children with severe injuries, but not those with mild or moderate injuries, were reported by parents to have a greater incidence of behavior problems following TBI. Regression analyses indicated that the presence of a partner for the primary caregiver of the child and the acute emotional reaction of the parent to the injury were both predictive of child behavioral outcome, although not by 2-year follow-up. These findings suggest that parental coping resources may impact on the development of child behavioral sequelae following TBI, emphasizing the role of the family in the child's response and the importance of supportive intervention.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Brain Injuries / complications*
  • Brain Injuries / psychology
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / etiology*
  • Child Behavior Disorders / psychology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Family Relations*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Trauma Severity Indices
  • Treatment Outcome