Date of Award:
5-2009
Document Type:
Dissertation
Degree Name:
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department:
Psychology
Committee Chair(s)
Renee V. Galliher
Committee
Renee V. Galliher
Committee
Judith M. Holt
Committee
Melanie M. Domenech Rodriguez
Committee
Richard N. Roberts
Committee
Donna Bilbertson
Abstract
This study was designed to further understand the psychosocial functioning of youth with chronic health conditions or physical disabilities, their need for and use of mental health services, and possible barriers to receiving needed services. Previous research has suggested these youth experience poorer psychosocial functioning compared to peers without special health care needs, and they also underutilize needed mental health services. A mixed-methods design was implemented consisting of a quantitative parent survey and a qualitative semistructured interview with young adults with special health care needs.
Children demonstrating poorer psychosocial adjustment in this study experienced more problems related to social functioning than psychopathology (e.g., depression, anxiety). Over half of the youth had accessed mental health services with the majority utilizing community-based outpatient services. Identified barriers to accessing needed mental health services included difficulty finding professionals with experience in working with youth with special health care needs and lack of financial coverage.
Checksum
fc6747d513d3cade2eb8dae4d342f1ef
Recommended Citation
Hunt, Sara M., "Patterns of Psychosocial Functioning and Mental Health Service Utilization in Children and Adolescents with Chronic Health Conditions or Physical Disabilities" (2009). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023. 360.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/360
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