Peer interaction in adolescents with a chronic illness

This study examined behavioural, cognitive and affective aspects of peer interaction of adolescents with a chronic illness. The aim of the study was twofold: (1) describe peer interaction of adolescents with a chronic illness in comparison with norms of healthy adolescents; (2) examine the relationship of peer interaction with the illness characteristics functional limitations and pain. Peer interaction of 98 adolescents with a chronic illness was assessed with measures of social activities (CBCL), social self-esteem (SPPA), self-reported social skills (MESSY, SIG-frequency) and social anxiety (SIG-anxiety). Results showed that diagnosis is related to social activities, but not to other aspects of peer interaction. Further, chronically ill girls had a lower level of social activities compared with healthy norms. In addition, girls with cystic fibrosis displayed more assertive behaviour than healthy girls, while chronically ill boys displayed less inadequate social skills than healthy boys. With regard to illness characteristics, functional limitations were not associated with peer interaction. However, pain was associated with restricted social activities in boys. It was concluded that in general, chronically ill adolescents were well adjusted socially and that functional limitations and pain do not seem to be risk factors for social adjustment problems. This healthy functioning might be a result of the presence of protective factors, such as the use of adequate coping strategies.