ABSTRACT
The primary aim of this study was to examine coping strategies among families of HIV-infected children and how they relate to medical, central nervous system (CNS) and family environment factors. Caregivers of HIV-positive children (N=52) completed a family coping measure (F-COPES) and provided information regarding family environment. Data regarding medical and CNS status were obtained from patient records. Results indicated that families' passive coping and spiritual support were among the coping techniques used most often, and social support was used least often. Medical variables were unrelated to any coping styles. Families of children with CNS impairment endorsed more passive coping techniques than families of children with no apparent deficits. A trend was found for non-biological caregivers to seek out more community resources and support than biological caregivers. Findings suggest the need to target families least likely to utilize resources, and to teach them to effectively seek out and benefit from social and community supports.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Family/psychology , HIV Infections/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Internal-External Control , Male , Social Support , Stress, Psychological/prevention & controlABSTRACT
Interhemispheric transfer was examined in 13 normal controls and in 13 children with hydrocephalus and partial agenesis of the corpus callosum involving a missing splenium associated with spina bifida meningomyelocele and aqueductal stenosis. Children with hydrocephalus demonstrated greater left visual-field superiority for forms indicative of difficulty in interhemispheric transfer of visual information. Interhemispheric transfer time (ITT) was somewhat longer in the children with hydrocephalus, but neither the ITT task nor the dichotic listening and tactile naming tasks provided clear evidence of difficulties in callosal transfer. Sensory and perceptual control tasks revealed similar visual acuity and monotic word perception but larger 2-point discrimination thresholds and poorer tactile matching.
