J Korean Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry.  2010 Oct;21(3):168-173.

The Emotional Distress Prior to the Surgery and the Parenting Stress in Elementary School Children with Neurosurgical Diseases: The Preliminary Study

• Won J
• Eom S
• Kim DS
• Shim KW
• Song DH

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted to compare emotional problems in children with neurosurgical diseases prior to surgery as well as levels of parenting stress experienced by mothers of children treated with surgery and those without surgery. The goals was to provide a basis on which comprehensive treatment interventions could be established.
METHODS
Subjects included 78 elementary school children who visited the Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery as well as their mothers. The Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) and the Revised Children Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS) were administered to children. The Parenting Stress Indexs (PSI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were administered to their mothers.
RESULTS
The children with neurosurgical diseases showed higher levels of depression prior to surgery. In their mothers, parenting stress was relatively higher and parenting competence was lower. In particular, for those children who underwent surgery, depression was significantly higher. Specifically, they exhibited more negative expectations, and negative self-image. In mothers of children who underwent surgery, depression was significantly higher.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest higher levels of emotional distress and parental stress in children who undergo neurosurgical operations and their mothers, respectively. Based on this, the necessity for surgical and comprehensive psychological intervention is suggested.

Keyword

Children; Neurosurgical Disease; Surgery; Emotional Stress; Parenting Stress

MeSH Terms

Child
Depression
Humans
Manifest Anxiety Scale
Mental Competency
Mothers
Neurosurgery
Parenting
Parents
Stress, Psychological