Cystic fibrosis in the young: acceptance and well-being

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21208979

J Pediatr Psychol. 2011 Jan 5. [Epub ahead of print]
Acceptance and Well-Being in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cystic Fibrosis: A Prospective Study.
Casier A, Goubert L, Theunis M, Huse D, De Baets F, Matthys D, Crombez G.

Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Research Institute for Psychology and Health, Utrecht, University Hospital Ghent, Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Belgian Cystic Fibrosis Association, Brussels and Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Ghent.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To prospectively investigate the role of acceptance in well-being in adolescents and young adults with cystic fibrosis (CF).

METHOD: A total of 40 adolescents and young adults with CF (ages 14-22 years) completed questionnaires assessing acceptance, anxiety and depressive symptoms, physical functioning, role functioning, emotional functioning, and social functioning. After 6 months, 28 of them completed the questionnaires on anxiety and depressive symptoms, physical functioning, role functioning, emotional functioning, and social functioning a second time.

RESULTS: More acceptance (Time 1) was related to less depressive symptoms (Time 1 and 2), and to better role, emotional, and social functioning (Time 1).

CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that accepting the limitations imposed by chronic disease and readjusting life goals may have a positive effect upon well-being in adolescents and young adults with CF. Further research is needed to clarify whether acceptance-based interventions are useful in promoting well-being in adolescents and young adults with CF.