Atopic dermatitis in children - Emotional reactions of children and their parents

Šitum, Natalija . (2011). Atopic dermatitis in children - Emotional reactions of children and their parents. Diploma Thesis. Filozofski fakultet u Zagrebu, Department of Psychology. [mentor Jokić-Begić, Nataša].

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine whether children with atopic dermatitis and their parents have more emotional problems than healthy people, check whether there is a difference between boys and girls with atopic dermatitis in the emotional intensity due to their age and parental education, and examine the relationship between emotional states children and their parents. Emocioalne difficulties were defined as a result of the scales depression, anxiety, anxiety sensitivity and general mental disorder.The study included 30 pairs of parents and children with atopic dermatitis. A group of children with atopic dermatitis did not show severe psychological problems compared with children from the healthy population, as well as their parents. Gender differences were found. Boys and girls differed in trait anxiety and general severity of mental disorder, where the results showed that boys have more disturbances than girls. In line with expectations it was found that older children are more anxious and more influenced by stress. Parental education also has a role in the emotional reactions of children and parent with higher education level is a protective factor. Emotional state of children with atopic dermatitis and their parents showed to be related, although there was no severe degree of emotional difficulties. In conclusion, the results indicate the need for a systematic study of risk and protective factors involved in determining the psychological reaction of compromised children and their parents.

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