Coping strategies among Swedish children and adolescents with mobility impairment in relation to demographic data, disability characteristics and well-being.

AIM

The first aim of the present study was to evaluate the applicability of a four-dimensional model of coping strategies, which includes 'active coping', 'distraction', 'avoidance' and 'support seeking' strategies, on children and adolescents with mobility impairment. The second aim was to identify coping strategies in this group. Finally, we analysed the relation between coping strategies and demographic data, disability characteristics and well-being.

METHODS

Children and adolescents aged 7-18 years with mobility impairment (n = 133) were interviewed, and demographic and disability characteristics were recorded. The Children's Coping Strategies Checklist, a 52-item self-report inventory, was used to characterise dispositional style in coping.

RESULTS

The four-factor model of coping strategies provides an adequate fit to the data of the sample studied. Three of the four coping strategies, all except 'avoidance', were significantly related to several demographic and disability features. Well-being was not significantly related to any of the four coping strategies, although the higher the trust in the strategies, the higher the estimation of one's own well-being.

CONCLUSION

Identification of coping strategies among children and adolescents with mobility impairment should form the basis of our understanding of how they face the complexity of challenges while growing up.