4 research outputs found
An investigation of emotion recognition training to reduce symptoms of social anxiety in adolescence
An Investigation of Psychosocial Aspects of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Adolescent and Parent Perspectives
This thesis presents a multimethod programme of research that aimed to further current understanding of psychosocial aspects of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, a paediatric spinal condition characterized by a sideways curvature of the spine. The first study comprised a qualitative exploration into adolescentsâ experiences of living with idiopathic scoliosis at the presurgical stage of treatment (N = 14). Four key themes were developed, including âProceeding with Caution,â âAm I Different?â âAn Emotional Journey,â and âNo Pain, No Gain.â The second study examined the contribution of psychosocial processes to variation in health-related quality of life and body image outcomes among adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (N = 115). Findings demonstrated that coping strategies were significantly associated with health-related quality of life among this patient group, and several appearance-related cognitions were significantly associated with body image satisfaction and disturbance. The third study comprised a systematic review and synthesis of the literature pertaining to parentsâ information needs, treatment concerns, and psychological wellbeing in the context of their childâs adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The fourth and final study was a qualitative exploration of parentsâ experiences in relation to their childâs idiopathic scoliosis from diagnosis to presurgical preparation (N = 20), which resulted in three main themes including âFear of the Unknown,â âMaintaining Normality,â and âNavigating the Patient Pathway.â Together, these studies make a number of significant contributions to the literature on psychosocial aspects of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and provide implications for research and practice in line with a patient and family-centered approach