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Behavioural Treatment of Childhood Recurrent Abdominal Pain: Relationships Between Pain, Children's Psychological Characteristics and Family Functioning

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 October 2014

Matthew R. Sanders ,
Margaret Morrison ,
Margaret Rebgetz ,
William Bor ,
Mark Dadds  and
Ross Shepherd
Matthew R. Sanders*
Affiliation:
University of Queensland
Margaret Morrison
Affiliation:
University of Queensland
Margaret Rebgetz
Affiliation:
University of Queensland
William Bor
Affiliation:
University of Queensland
Mark Dadds
Affiliation:
University of Queensland
Ross Shepherd
Affiliation:
University of Queensland
*
Department of Psychiatry, University of Queensland, Clinical Sciences Building, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston Qld 4029
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Abstract

This study examined the impact and side effects of a cognitive behavioural program for the treatment of recurrent abdominal pain (R.A.P.) on children's behavioural adjustment and family functioning. It assessed the extent to which changes in children's pain symptoms covaried with family processes thought to be etiologically significant in cases of R.A.P. Results showed that pain symptoms of both experimental and control children improved significantly six months after initial assessment. Treatment achieved its objectives more quickly with a higher proportion of completely pain-free children. None of the measures of child adjustment or family conflict, expressiveness, independence or achievement orientation were associated with changes in pain intensity ratings or parent observational measures of pain behaviour. There was no evidence that treatment was associated with any negative side effects.

Type
Research Article
Information
Behaviour Change , Volume 7 , Issue 1 , March 1990 , pp. 16 - 24
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 1990

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References

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