Emotional well-being in transition-age adults with pediatric-onset disabilities: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Purpose/objective: The transition from childhood to adulthood often involves emotional challenges. These problems may be especially prominent for transition-age adults (TAA) with pediatric-onset disabilities, although there are currently few studies that speak to this. The aim of this study is to characterize depressive symptoms and the association with family functioning in a sample of TAA with pediatric-onset disabilities.

Research method/design: This sample is comprised of 55 TAA (18-28 years of age, M = 20.88, SD = 2.49) who were followed by pediatric rehabilitation medicine clinics. Participants have childhood acquired brain injury (n = 17), spina bifida (n = 10), or neuromuscular disorders (n = 28). Participants completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale and the Family Assessment Device Short Form.

Results: Clinically elevated depressive symptoms were endorsed by 65.4% of the sample. Forty-five percent of those with elevated depressive symptoms were not currently receiving psychotherapy services. Poorer family functioning on the Family Assessment Device Short Form and older age were independently associated with more depressive symptoms, controlling for medical condition, mobility status, and other relevant sociodemographic factors.

Conclusions/implications: Emotional problems are quite common in TAA with a history of acquired brain injury, spina bifida, and neuromuscular disorders, yet are seemingly inadequately managed. In view of the results of this study, TAA with pediatric-onset disabilities are likely to benefit from interventions that bolster emotional well-being and target risk factors related to their family system. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).