Abstract
ObjectiveTo characterize dyadic and general friendships of youth with spina bifida (SB). MethodsFamilies of youth with SB recruited a peer to participate; 106 dyads participated. Youth with SB and peers completed questionnaires and interviews regarding characteristics of the dyadic friendship and each individual's general friendships. Results Youth with SB and their peers were similar in many ways. However, youth with SB rated the friendship as closer and were more likely to see peers as best friends rather than the reverse. Regarding general friendships, youth with SB spent fewer days with friends, reported lower levels of companionship, security, and closeness in their friendships, and reported lower levels of emotional support from peers and family. Conclusions Youth with SB experience significant differences in the quality and reciprocation of friendships. Targeted interventions may assist youth in developing high quality friendships.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 220-231 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Journal of pediatric psychology |
| Volume | 37 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Mar 2012 |
Funding
This research was supported by grants from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (RO1 HD048629) and the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation (12-FY01-0098). This study is part of an ongoing, longitudinal study.
Keywords
- adolescents
- friendship
- peers
- spina bifida
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Developmental and Educational Psychology