Dyadic Coping Discrepancies in Adolescents With Chronic Diseases and Their Parents: A Latent Profile Analysis Approach.

AIMS

To identify subgroups of dyadic coping discrepancies between adolescents with chronic diseases and their parents using latent profile analysis, and to examine variations among these subgroups in socio-demographic characteristics, family resilience and psychological adjustment outcomes.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Between June 2022 and August 2023, 318 adolescent-parent dyads were recruited from three paediatric hospitals in China. Adolescents and their parents completed the General Information Questionnaire, the Dyadic Coping Inventory, the Chinese version of the Family Resilience Scale and the Chinese version of the Psychological Adjustment Scale.

RESULTS

A three-class solution provided an optimal fit, identifying the following subgroups: adolescent-parent dyadic coping similarity group (61%), low adolescent-high parent dyadic coping group (20%) and high adolescent-low parent dyadic coping group (19%). Multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that family resilience among adolescents and their parents significantly influenced the classification of dyadic coping discrepancies. A one-way ANOVA demonstrated significant differences in psychological adjustment among the three subgroups.

CONCLUSION

This study identified distinct patterns of dyadic coping discrepancies between adolescents with chronic diseases and their parents, highlighting the variability in coping strategies within these dyads. Family resilience significantly influenced dyadic coping patterns, with higher levels of family resilience associated with more effective dyadic coping. Furthermore, the dyadic coping profiles were significantly associated with the psychological adjustment of adolescents and parents, highlighting the critical role of dyadic coping in individual well-being.

REPORTING METHOD

This study adhered to the STROBE checklist.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No patient or public contribution.

IMPACT

Our findings provide valuable insights for health professionals to design tailored interventions and implement stratified care addressing the unique needs of adolescents and their parents. Prioritising support for individuals with lower family resilience is critical, as are targeted dyadic coping interventions is essential to enhance the psychological adjustment of adolescents with chronic diseases and their parents.