Health-related quality of life and psychological wellbeing of children with Specific Learning Disorders and their mothers

Abstract

Background: Literature suggests that Specific Learning Disorders (SpLD) can cause impairment of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and psychological well-being of children, and that this condition potentially affects parents' quality of life and well-being too.

Aims: This study aims first to explore HRQoL and psychological well-being among children with SpLD and second among mothers of children with SpLD.

Methods and procedures: Thirty children aged 8-14 years diagnosed as having SpLD and their mothers completed a battery of scales to assess children's HRQoL and psychological well-being. Mothers also completed a battery of instruments to explore their personal HRQoL and psychological well-being.

Results: Compared with the general population, children with SpLD reported significantly lower level of psychosocial health, and mothers had a higher probability of being anxious and/or depressed.

Conclusions and implications: This study supports previous research about impaired HRQoL, symptoms of generalized anxiety, school-related anxiety and depressed mood in children with SpLD. Moreover, it provides evidence that mothers of children with SpLD may experience stress in coping with their child's disability and develop socio-emotional symptoms such as anxiety. Implications concern the need to implement effective supportive services among children with SpLD and their parents.

Keywords: Children; Health-related quality of life; Mothers; Proxy-reports; Specific Learning Disorders.