Behavior Problems in Children with Chronic Illness Applying for Psychosocial Care: Risk and Protective Factors

Objective: To describe behavior problems in children with various chronic illnesses (CI) who seek psychosocial support, and to examine associated risk factors and protective factors. Methods: Parents and children who signed up for a cognitive behavioral based group intervention on coping with CI (N = 194) completed online questionnaires. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted on internalizing and externalizing behavior problems with illness severity, coping strategies, self worth, parenting stress, and perceived parent-child relationship security. Results: Parents and children reported elevated levels of internalizing problems. More use of child disengaged coping, lower self-worth, less security of the parent-child relationship and more parenting stress were uniquely associated with more behavior problems. Conclusion: Behavior problems of children with CI should be considered as an outcome of a dynamic process in which interrelated risk and protective factors contribute. Implications for screening and intervention are outlined.