Date of Award

1986

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between parental adjustment to the head injury of a child and selected psychological variables. A derived adjustment score, based on recent life events and self-esteem, was chosen as the dependent variable. Six independent variables including social support, socioeconomic status, sex, family environment, depression, and time passage since the accident were investigated. Independent variables were examined individually to determine their relationship to adjustment and in combination to determine their effectiveness in predicting adjustment. The sample consisted of 60 parents, 30 two-parent, intact families who were active members of a head injury support group. The six independent variables were analyzed for individual significance using a Pearson-product moment correlation. Only socioeconomic status was found to be significant. The independent variables were found to be significant when combined in a linear combination. The stepwise regression generated a set of predictor variables: socioeconomic status, sex, social support, time, depression, and family environment, that were significantly related to adjustment. It was concluded that SES was the best predictor of adjustment to head injury. Results provided support for previous research indicating that adjustment to head injury is an interaction of many variables. It was determined that the independent variables utilized in the study were reliable predictors of adjustment. Further research to examine (a) the early interaction between medical personnel and families following the accident, (b) the influence of socioeconomic status on adjustment, and (c) the impact of head injury on the relationship of siblings was suggested.

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