A Study on the Factors Affecting Self-Concept of Children and Adolescents with Epilepsy

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of clinical and psychological factors on the self-concept of children and adolescents with epilepsy. Methods: Children and adolescents with epilepsy (n=60; age range=9-17 years) completed questionnaires about their epilepsy-related variables, self-concept, depressive symptoms, anxiety, family functions, and behavioral problems. The T-test and one-way analysis of variance were used to examine the variables affecting the total self-concept scores. To determine the independent variables by adjusting the significant variables, a stepwise regression analysis was performed. Results: In the correlational analysis, age, depressive symptoms, anxiety, social problems, attention problems, and internalizing problems had significantly negative correlations with self-concept. On the other hand, IQ and family functions showed positive correlations with selfconcept. Age (beta=-0.177, p=0.015), depressive symptoms (beta=-0.487, p< 0.001), anxiety (beta=-0.298, p=0.008), and attention problems (beta=-0.138, p=0.048) were analyzed as independent factors to assess their impact on self-concept, and were found to account for 78.3% of the variance in self-concept by stepwise regression analysis. Conclusion: Parents and clinicians should pay attention to improving the self-concept of children and adolescents with epilepsy, especially if they have problems with depression, anxiety, or attention.