Abstract
This study examined predictors of maternal responses to children's abdominal pain symptoms. Mothers (N = 450) provided data on psychological distress (self and child), responses to their children's symptoms, and perceived symptom severity. Several demographic factors predicted protectiveness and/or symptom monitoring: younger or male child, maternal non-Caucasian race or less education, and no father in the home. Psychosocial predictors included maternal somatization (related to greater monitoring and less minimization) and child distress (related to greater minimization). A child gender x condition severity interaction indicated greater protection of boys based on perceived severity, but no such discrimination for girls.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 63-81 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Children's Health Care |
Volume | 36 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2007 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Developmental and Educational Psychology
- Clinical Psychology