Behavioral and Coping Strategies in Children with Short Stature | ||||
| Ain Shams Medical Journal | ||||
| Volume 76, Issue 2, June 2025, Page 524-543 PDF (588.76 K) | ||||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/asmj.2025.369213.1416 | ||||
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| Authors | ||||
Asmaa Wafeeq Abdelaziz1; Marwa Magdy Hassan Nawar1; Mohanad Ahmed Fathy Ahmed  2; Reham Ibrahim Abdelmageed3
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| 1Pediatrics department faculty of medicine Ainshams university ,Cairo ,Egypt | ||||
| 2Pediatrics department faculty of medicine Ainshams University, Cairo ,Egypt | ||||
| 3Pediatrics department faculty of medicine ainshams university ,Cairo ,Egypt | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Background: Short stature in children is linked to emotional distress, peer difficulties, and lower self-esteem. Growth hormone (GH) therapy is an option, but the psychological impact and coping mechanisms remain understudied. Aim: To assess the psychosocial maladjustment, coping strategies, and quality of life of children with short stature & to identify correlations between growth hormone treatment, psychological well-being, and social adaptation. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Ain Shams University’s Endocrinology Unit, involving 70 children (8–18 years) diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) or idiopathic short stature (ISS). Psychological assessments, including the Kidcope questionnaire, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (Peds-QL), were used to measure coping strategies, behavior, and quality of life. Results: Younger children (8–12 years) used problem-solving and social support but with lower effectiveness, whereas adolescents (13–18 years) demonstrated greater reliance on cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation, and distraction. Social withdrawal and resignation were more common in older children. Wishful thinking was more effective among adolescents. ISS children had better emotional regulation than those with GHD, but quality of life was higher in the GHD group (p < 0.001). Distraction correlated with increased behavioral difficulties (p = 0.001), while problem-solving improved emotional well-being (p = 0.019). Conclusion: Children with short stature face psychological and social challenges, particularly in peer relationships and school settings. GH therapy enhances well-being, and adaptive coping strategies improve outcomes. Early psychological support is crucial, especially for ISS children, to foster resilience and emotional adjustment. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Coping strategies; growth hormone deficiency; psychosocial impact; quality of life; short stature | ||||
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