Overprotection and the psychological states of cerebral palsy patients and their caretakers in Hong Kong: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relation between perceived overprotection and the psychological states of cerebral palsy patients and their primary caretakers in Hong Kong.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey, in which data of 14 pairs of cerebral palsy patients and their caretakers were analysed.

SETTING

Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital, Hong Kong.

PARTICIPANTS

Cerebral palsy patients and their primary caretakers in Hong Kong.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Perceived overprotection and psychological states.

RESULTS

Nearly two thirds of the 14 patients (mean age of 15 years) and 86% of the 14 primary caretakers (mean age of 47 years) perceived various levels of overprotection. For both patients and caretakers, perceived overprotection was positively associated with anxiety and unhappiness. The patients' and caretakers' psychological states and perception of overprotection were not related to the actual motor ability of the patients. Perceived overprotection of the patients was not related to that of the caretakers.

CONCLUSION

Caretakers should be mindful that a well-meaning move may have undesirable consequences. More support and child-rearing education should be considered for caretakers.