Resilience, parental attitudes and cooperation in adolescents with chronic diseases in the therapeutic process

Abstract

Background: Current concepts of health psychology focus on the role of protective factors to decrease negative effects of the experiences associated with chronic diseases. Resilience is one of the key factors responsible which protect and facilitate patients’ adaptation process. The aim of the study was to enquire: 1) whether resilience predicts adherence in medication regiments and the level of cooperation between physician and the patient 2) whether the types of parental attitudes determine development of patient’s resilience. Methods: 186 children with different chronic diseases (kidney and liver transplant patients, inflammatory bowel diseases and diabetes) and 185 parents participated in the study. To assess parental attitudes (SPR), patients’ resilience (SPP – 18), adherence to medication regiment (MMAS-8), patients cooperation questionnaire was used. In the statistical analysis the Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated. Findings: The higher level of resilience the greater medication adherence (r = 0.181) was observed in patients. Persistence as a component of resilience was associated with better cooperation and regularity in taking medications in the group of diabetics (r = 0.334). Parents with acceptance (r = .245) and autonomous (r = 0.158) attitudes have positive impact on the resilience development of their children. Discussion: Parental attitudes are related to the development of resilience which may determine medical adherence. Poor cooperation between physicians and children in the medical treatment may lead to health worsening of the patients. In the process of treating a patient, it is important to draw attention to positive parental attitudes, which can reduce health risks.