Social participation of youth with cerebral palsy: determinants and effects of self-perceived competence

Lin-Ju Kang

doi:10.17918/etd-3585

Social participation fosters the development of meaningful relationships, perceived competence and psychosocial well-being. The aim of this dissertation was to expand knowledge of the multi-dimensional and interactive nature of social participation of youth with cerebral palsy (CP) by identifying: 1) determinants of social participation and 2) whether participation with friends differs based on self-perceived competence as a friend. The participants were 209 youth 13-21 years old with cerebral palsy (52% males) and their parents. Participants were part of a larger study on Activity and Participation of Children with Cerebral Palsy and were recruited from six Shriners Hospitals for Children and one Children's Rehabilitation Center. The measures included the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment, Fulfillment in Social Roles, Gross Motor Function Classification System, Coping Inventory, Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument, Family Environment Scale, Measure of Processes of Care, and Service Questionnaire. Sequential multiple regression analysis was used to determine the youth, family and service determinants of social participation with friends and other non-family members. Kruskal-Wallis One-Way Analyses of Variance was used to examine the differences in the number, total frequency, and enjoyment of activities done with friends among youth with high, middle, low self-perceived competence as a friend. Youth and service characteristics were determinants of participation with friends but not other non-family members. Higher sports and physical function ([beta]=.25), communication/speech ability ([beta]=.18), inclusive education program ([beta]=.21), and the higher extent to which desired community recreational activities were obtained ([beta]=.22) explained 46% of the variance in number of activities done with friends. Higher parental education ([beta]=.25) explained 6% of variance in number of activities done with other non-family members and was the sole determinant. The number ([chi]2=17.07, df=2, p<.001) and total frequency ([chi]2=18.35, df=2, p<.001) of activities done with friends, but not enjoyment of activities ([chi]2=1.86, df=2, p>.05), differed based on youth's self-perceived competence as a friend. Youth with higher self-perceived competence did more activities with friends and participated with them more often. Services and supports that promote youth's mobility, communication, and social skills, and enable access to community opportunities and real-life experiences with friends and other non-family members may help to optimize social participation and competence of youth with CP

Social participation of youth with cerebral palsy: determinants and effects of self-perceived competence

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Social participation of youth with cerebral palsy: determinants and effects of self-perceived competence

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