Psychological Independence in Adolescents and Young Adults with Congenital Heart Disease: Comparison of Their Independence and Autonomy with Healthy Adolescents

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  • Kubo Yoko
    The Study of Creative Childcare, Chiba Meitoku Junior College

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  • 先天性心疾患の青年における心理的自立の特徴：「依存」と「自律」からみた一般青年との違い
  • センテンセイシン シッカン ノ セイネン ニ オケル シンリテキ ジリツ ノ トクチョウ : 「 イソン 」 ト 「 ジリツ 」 カラ ミタ イッパン セイネン ト ノ チガイ

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Abstract

<p>Adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD) are reported to be highly dependent on their parents, with some exceptions. Thus, this study measured the psychological independence of a sample of adolescents and young adults with CHD by using a two-dimensional dependency and autonomy scale. In the questionnaire survey, participants with CHD and those in the control group rated their dependency, autonomy, and psychological adjustment, including their self-esteem and feelings while asking for help from their parents; additionally, they rated their condition's subjective severity. Overall, the psychological independence-related analysis revealed a higher number of autonomous and dependent adolescents and young adults in the “lower subjective severity” CHD group, those who reported no limitations, as compared to the “higher subjective severity” CHD group, those who reported some limitations, and the control group. Multiple regression analysis revealed that regardless of the existence of CHD or the condition's subjective severity, dependence was significantly associated with feelings of self-growth and emotional stability, whereas autonomy was significantly associated with feelings of self-esteem, self-growth, emotional stability, and stunted growth. Adolescents with CHD make decisions as autonomously as adolescents without CHD. It is hoped that these results can change medical professionals' perspectives on the importance of autonomy over dependency.</p><p>【Research Impact】</p><p>For adolescents with a congenital heart defect (CHD), a tendency toward dependence on their parents is an issue. The importance of autonomy (self-determination) in psychological adjustment is also highlighted. Some CHD adolescents are autonomous as well as dependent on their parents. Therefore, autonomy is a crucial factor in addition to dependence that medical professionals consider while understanding a CHD adolescent's journey to independence.</p>

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