An Examination of the Mental Health Status of Canadian Children and Youth with Disabilities
Publication: Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
21 December 2022
Abstract
Children and youth with disabilities (CYD) are more likely to experience poor mental health compared to non-disabled peers. Disability type may impact mental health outcomes; however, a more comprehensive understanding of mental health outcomes in CYD with diverse disability types is needed. This study examined the mental health status of CYD. Parents of 473 CYD completed a survey including a measure of mental health indicators. Approximately 72% of the sample had above average total difficulties scores. Boys scored higher than girls on the hyperactivity subscale, and those with comorbid disabilities scored the highest on total difficulties. Overall, the results indicate CYD experience mental health challenges at rates well above population norms. Research exploring interventions that may buffer these effects is warranted.
Résumé
Les enfants et les jeunes handicapés (EJH) sont plus susceptibles de souffrir d’une mauvaise santé mentale que leurs pairs non handicapés. Le type d’incapacité peut avoir une incidence sur la santé mentale, mais il est nécessaire de mieux comprendre les conséquences en matière de santé mentale chez les EJH ayant divers types d’incapacité. Cette étude a examiné l’état de santé mentale des EJH. Les parents de 473 EJH ont répondu à une enquête comprenant une mesure des indicateurs de santé mentale. Environ 72 % de l’échantillon avait des scores de difficultés totales supérieurs à la moyenne. Les garçons ont obtenu des scores plus élevés que les filles sur la sous-échelle de l’hyperactivité, et les personnes souffrant de handicaps concomitants ont obtenu les scores les plus élevés sur les difficultés totales. Dans l’ensemble, les résultats indiquent que les EJH connaissent des problèmes de santé mentale à des taux bien supérieurs aux normes de la population. Des recherches explorant les interventions susceptibles d’atténuer ces effets sont justifiées.
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Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
Volume 41 • Number 4 • October 2022
Pages: 75 - 103
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Version of record online: 21 December 2022
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Roxy Helliker O’Rourke, Denver Brown, Kathleen A. Martin Ginis, and Kelly P. Arbour-Nicitopoulos. 2022. An Examination of the Mental Health Status of Canadian Children and Youth with Disabilities. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health.
41(4): 75-103. https://doi.org/10.7870/cjcmh-2022-033
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