Cross-condition risk and protective factors for psychosocial distress in parents and carers of children and young people with appearance-affecting conditions and injuries

Thornton, Maia; Harcourt, Diana; Deave, Toity; Kiff, James; White, Paul; Williamson, Heidi

Abstract

Alongside typical parenting challenges, initial condition-specific research suggests that parents of children with different visible differences may experience similar psychosocial difficulties. Despite this, large-scale cross-condition research to identify risk and protective factors for parental distress and psychosocial adjustment has been lacking. Two hundred and nine parents and carers of children with a range of visible differences completed an online survey comprised of standardised outcome measures, study-specific measures, and open-ended questions. Multiple regression modelling identified possible risk and protective factors, and data collected via open-ended questions were analysed using content analysis. Findings support themes previously identified in small-scale cross-condition qualitative research with parents of children with visible differences. Risk factors for parental negative affect and stress included parental reports of the noticeability of their child's visible difference and teasing. Protective factors included good parent-child communication, self-compassion, knowledge of their child's condition and satisfaction with treatment. The risk and protective factors identified provide important insight into the experiences of this parent population and indicate possible avenues for psychosocial intervention.

Citation

Thornton, M., Harcourt, D., Deave, T., Kiff, J., White, P., & Williamson, H. (2024). Cross-condition risk and protective factors for psychosocial distress in parents and carers of children and young people with appearance-affecting conditions and injuries. Body Image, 51, Article 101768. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101768

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 5, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jul 11, 2024
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jul 15, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 15, 2024
• Print ISSN: 1740-1445
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 51
• Article Number: 101768
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101768
• Keywords: Visible difference; Parents; Carers; Self-compassion; Support needs; Psychological wellbeing
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/12125934