Degree
Master of Arts
Program
Education
Supervisor
Dr. Stewart, Shannon
Abstract
Children with mental health problems have a significantly worse quality of life (QoL) in comparison to typically developing children, or those with physical health conditions. However, research identifying factors associated with QoL in this vulnerable population is quite scarce. To address this gap in the literature, 347 clinically referred children and youth (ages 7-18 years old) were assessed using the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health Assessment (ChYMH) and Self-report Quality of Life- Child and Youth Mental Health (SQoL-ChYMH). Hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses revealed that after controlling for age, gender, and patient status, children and adolescents with higher depressive symptoms reported lower overall QoL. At the sub-domain level, higher depressive symptoms was associated with lower basic needs and individual QoL; furthermore, higher anhedonia and depressive symptoms were associated with lower social QoL. In contrast, no mental state indicators were associated with QoL pertaining to services (i.e. school and treatment). Clinical implications and intervention strategies are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Celebre, Angela Maria Louisa, "An Examination of Predictors of Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents receiving Mental Health Services" (2019). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 6201.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/6201