Adolescents with cystic fibrosis : effects of cognitive problem-solving skills and interpersonal relationships on adjustment

Adolescents with cystic fibrosis were studied in order to investigate personal and environmental resources which influence individual differences in adaptation level. Specifically, it was hypothesized that relationships with parents and peers would serve to increase the relationship between problem-solving skills and adjustment such that well-developed skills and satisfactory relationships would facilitate the development of adaptive behavior. Adjustment was defined in terms of maximal physical functioning and age-appropriate psychosocial behavior. Against predictions, a canonical correlation procedure revealed no significant dimensions along which the set of adjustment variables and the set of coping variables were related. Reasons for this lack of findings were discussed, and regression analyses were then performed on each adjustment variable separately. The prediction of physical functioning yielded non-significant results, which was also contrary to expectations. Results indicated that, after controlling for age, subjects' interpersonal problem-solving skills failed to predict their level of psychosocial adjustment. However, it was found that parents' autonomous (well-differentiated) reactions to their adolescent and subjects' supportive relationship with a significant peer were the strongest contributors to differences in psychosocial functioning. Theoretical implications were explored and suggestions for future research were presented.