Externaliserende en internaliserende gedragsproblemen en kwaliteit van leven bij jongeren met niet-aangeboren hersenletsel

Objective This study examined whether adolescents with acquired brain injury (ABI) differ from adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) in their behaviour problems and quality of life. This study also examined the relation between specific internalizing and externalizing behaviour problems and specific domains of quality of life.
Method Participants were 22 adolescents with ABI (M age = 16.7) and 24 adolescents with CP (M age = 17.0). Caretakers/teachers completed the TRF and the CP-QOL-Child questionnaire.
Results Adolescents with ABI did not differ in their externalizing and internalizing behaviour problems from adolescents with CP. Informants reported a lower emotional well-being and self-esteem in adolescents with ABI compared to adolescents with CP. Externalizing behaviour problems were associated with lower social well-being and acceptance, whereas internalizing behaviour problems were associated with more pain and impact of impairment.
Conclusion The results of this study are of theoretical and clinical interest. The finding that specific forms of behaviour problems were related to specific domains of quality of life may inform targeted clinical interventions.