Self-management, satisfaction with family functioning, and the course of psychological symptoms in emerging adults with spina bifida

Objective: To explore psychological symptoms in emerging adults with spina bifida (SB) and their association with self-management and satisfaction with family functioning. Methods: Longitudinal data were collected at 2 time points, 15 months apart, in 48 individuals with SB. Reliable change indices and paired samples t-tests assessed change in anxiety and depressive symptoms. Hierarchical regression models explored the contributions of SB severity, family satisfaction, and self-management in explaining change in psychological symptoms. Results: No significant group level differences in psychological symptoms were found across time in participants (Mean age 22 years), but significant individual-level change in anxiety symptoms (n = 13) and depressive symptoms (n = 9) was observed. Improved satisfaction with family functioning was associated with decreased anxiety symptoms (b = -0.30, p =. 02), and increased SB self-management was related to reduced depressive symptoms (b = -0.63, p =. 01). Conclusions: Changes in self-management and satisfaction with family functioning may influence the course of psychological symptoms. © The Author 2012