Self-efficacy and level of neuroticism in children treated with an orthopedic brace

Introduction: Observing children wearing an orthopedic brace, it can be observed that they seem more depressed and less able to deal with life than their healthy peers.

Aim of the study was to determine the neurotic level and self-efficacy of children wearing a brace as compared with healthy children. In addition, the study aimed to determine subjective self-evaluation of brace wearing children in comparison with a healthy group and to gain information about their possibly subconscious need to impress others.

Material and methods: We examined 68 children (11-16 years) divided into two subgroups: children with scoliosis, wearing a brace (36 people), and healthy children (32 persons), using the Choynowski and Skrzypek “What are you like?” questionnaire and Juczyński’s KompOs Scale. Additionally, children made a description of themselves by using 3 out of 16 adjectives.

Results: Children with a brace scored higher on the lie scale, and in terms of persistence in achieving set targets their results were also higher. The examined children did not statistically differ in neurotic level, force of action, self-effectiveness feeling, or positive and negative self-evaluation.

Conclusions: It is recommended to provide children wearing an orthopedic brace with psychological care, especially in terms of making their self-esteem higher.