Open Access
J Brachial Plex Peripher Nerve Inj 2016; 11(01): e42-e47
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1593440
Original Contribution
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Evaluation of Self-Concept and Emotional-Behavioral Functioning of Children with Brachial Plexus Birth Injury

Lori A. Belfiore
1   Department of Occupational Therapy, NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, New York, United States
,
Carol Rosen
2   Pediatric Psychology Services, NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, New York, United States
,
Rachel Sarshalom
3   Department of Occupational Therapy, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Miami, Florida, United States
,
Leslie Grossman
4   Brachial Plexus and Peripheral Nerve Program, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Miami, Florida, United States
,
Debra A. Sala
5   Department of Orthopedics, NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, New York, United States
,
John A. I. Grossman
4   Brachial Plexus and Peripheral Nerve Program, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Miami, Florida, United States
5   Department of Orthopedics, NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, New York, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

05 April 2016

14 August 2016

Publication Date:
24 October 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Background The reported incidence of brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) is 0.87 to 2.2 per 1,000 live births. The psychological functioning, including self-concept and emotional-behavioral functioning, of children with BPBI has only been examined to a limited extent.

Objective The purpose of this study was to describe the self-concept and emotional-behavioral functioning in children with BPBI from both the child's and parent's perspective.

Methods Thirty-one children with BPBI, mean age 11 years 1 month, completed the Draw A Person: Screening Procedure for Emotional Disturbance (DAP:SPED) and Piers Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale (PHCSCS). The parents answered questions from the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Parent Rating Scales (BASC-2 PRS).

Results The scores from the DAP:SPED drawings showed further evaluation was not strongly indicated in the majority of the children. The PHCSCS Total score demonstrated that the children had a strongly positive self-concept. The parental responses to the BASC-2 PRS indicated that few children were at risk or in the clinically significant range for the four composite scores and all of the component clinical or adaptive scales. Gender comparison revealed females exhibited greater anxiety than males.

Conclusion Both children and parents reported a positive psychological well-being for the majority of the children. Parents had greater concerns about their child's social-emotional functioning, particularly anxiety. An interdisciplinary approach (occupational therapy evaluation, clinical observation, and parental interview) is necessary to determine the need for mental health referral.