The determinants of self-determined behaviors of young children with cerebral palsy

• Published in: Research in developmental disabilities 2014-01, Vol.35 (1), p.99-109
• Main Authors: Chang, Hui-Ju, Chiarello, Lisa A., Palisano, Robert J., Orlin, Margo N., Bundy, Anita, Gracely, Edward J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Biological and medical sciences; Cerebral palsy; Cerebral Palsy - psychology; Child Behavior - psychology; Child, Preschool; Children; Cognitive behaviour therapy; Disabled Children; Family Relations; Family support; Female; Headache. Facial pains. Syncopes. Epilepsia. Intracranial hypertension. Brain oedema. Cerebral palsy; Humans; Infant; Male; Medical sciences; Mobility; Models, Psychological; Motor Skills; Nervous system (semeiology, syndromes); Neurology; Parents - psychology; Personal Autonomy; Play and Playthings - psychology; Playfulness; Self-determined behaviors
• ISSN: 0891-4222; 1873-3379
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2013.10.004

•Self-determined behaviors are primarily associated with cognitive behavioral function.•Supporting playfulness may support children's self-determined behaviors.•Family support is essential to foster their child's self-determined behaviors. The purpose of this study was to identify determinants of self-determined behaviors of young children with cerebral palsy. The participants were 429 children (56% boys, 18–60 months) and their parents. Structural equation modeling was used to test two models of self-determined behaviors, one for children with walking mobility (Gross Motor Function Classification System, GMFCS levels I–II) and the other for children with limited self-mobility (GMFCS levels III–V). Cognitive-behavioral problems and the extent family supports their child's self-determined behaviors explained 60% of the variance in self-determined behaviors of children with walking mobility. Cognitive-behavioral problems, playfulness, and the extent family supports their child's self-determined behaviors explained 68% of the variance in self-determined behaviors of children with limited self-mobility. The less the child's cognitive-behavioral problems affect daily activities (p