Developmental psychological aspects of scoliosis treatment
- 10 July 2003
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Vol. 6 (3-4), 221-225
- https://doi.org/10.1080/13638490310001644593
Abstract
The diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic adolescent scoliosis can have significant psychological consequences for affected individuals. This article aims to provide an overview of the current state of empirical knowledge concerning the psychosocial aspects of scoliosis in adolescence. These research results are set against experience gained from practical work. Adolescence, as a sensitive phase of a young person's development, requires a special degree of adaptation in the event of a chronic illness. For scoliosis patients this means, for instance, facing up to cosmetic impairments and subjectively significant physical defects. Cognitively the patient must come to terms with a commitment of time-consuming, confining, and sometimes uncomfortable treatment for a condition that does not always cause physical symptoms and to achieve success which is not necessarily defined as an improvement in the state of health. Scoliosis is a risk factor for impairment of the quality of life of children and adolescents. Its impact is particularly marked if brace-wearing is indicated. Particular attention needs to be paid to aspects of brace compliance. Support for patients within the context of in-patient rehabilitative treatment has proved to be both necessary and helpful. Here, within the setting of psychological group sessions and individual discussions, the possibility exists for preventing psychosocial impairment.Keywords
This publication has 6 references indexed in Scilit:
- Does bracing affect self-image? A prospective study on 54 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosisEuropean Spine Journal, 1999
- MEASURING THE COMPLIANCE BEHAVIOR OF ADOLESCENTS WEARING ORTHOPEDIC BRACESIssues in Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing, 1999
- A Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Non-Operative Treatments for Idiopathic Scoliosis* **Published by Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health) ,1997
- SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF CD44 AND HYALURONAN IN THE PROXIMAL TIBIA OF THE GROWING RATJournal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, 1997
- Psychodynamische Aspekte von Korsettbehandlungen bei JugendlichenZeitschrift Fur Orthopadie Und Ihre Grenzgebiete, 1987
- Coping with Disability and the Surgical ExperienceClinical Pediatrics, 1978