The relationship between coping styles and depression among caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in Nigeria, West Africa

Olajide Benjamin Obembe,Oluwayemi Cecilia Ogun,Grace Temitayo Ijarogbe,Suraju Adeyemo

doi:10.1590/0101-60830000000215

Olajide Benjamin Obembe, Oluwayemi Cecilia Ogun + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/0101-60830000000215

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Abstract

Abstract Background Caring for a child with cerebral palsy (CP) is an arduous task and the over-reliance on specific coping strategies may predispose caregivers to depression. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the different types of coping strategies and presence of depression in caregivers of children with CP. Methods One hundred and thirty two participants were recruited into the study. Their coping styles were measured using the Brief COPE inventory while depression was assessed with Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Results The prevalence of current depressive episodes among the participants was 20.5%. Depression had a strong negative correlation with active coping (r = -0.415), planning (r = -0.432), and positive reframing (r = -0.594), and a weak negative correlation with humor (r = -0.239). But a strong positive correlation with use of instrumental support (r = 0.421) and self-blame (r = 0.448), and a moderate positive correlation with denial (r = 0.313), and behavioral disengagement (r = 0.308). Both emotion–focused (r = -0.361) and problem-focused (r = -0.576) coping style had a strong negative correlation with depression. While dysfunctional coping style had a strong positive correlation with depression (r = 0.489). Discussion Emotional and problem focused coping style were found to more protective against depression than dysfunctional coping styles among care givers of children with CP.

Highlights

Caregiving is a normal part of parenting a young child, but managing the child with cerebral palsy can be very exhausting for caregivers[1]
The general aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the different types of coping strategies and presence of depression in caregivers of children with cerebral palsy
Caregivers of children with cerebral palsy have been reported in previous studies to be more prone to psychological disturbances when compared to caregivers of normally developing children, and majority of them have symptoms of depression

Summary

Introduction

Caregiving is a normal part of parenting a young child, but managing the child with cerebral palsy can be very exhausting for caregivers[1]. Cerebral palsy (CP) describes a set of conditions that is associated with major physical deficits which arise in the early stages of brain development. It results from a non-progressive brain lesion occurring pre-, perior post-natally before the second year[3]. A strong positive correlation with use of instrumental support (r = 0.421) and self-blame (r = 0.448), and a moderate positive correlation with denial (r = 0.313), and behavioral disengagement (r = 0.308) Both emotion–focused (r = -0.361) and problem-focused (r = -0.576) coping style had a strong negative correlation with depression.

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