Overprotection and the psychological states of cerebral palsy patients and their caretakers in Hong Kong: a preliminary report

Samuel MY Ho, Boris KK Fung, Amy SM Fung, SP Chow, WY Ip, Stella FY Lee, Eva YP Leung, Kennis WY Ha
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

OBJECTIVE. To examine the relation between perceived overprotection and the psychological states of cerebral palsy patients and their primary caretakers in Hong Kong.

DESIGN. Cross-sectional survey, in which data of 14 pairs of cerebral palsy patients and their caretakers were analysed.

SETTING. Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital, Hong Kong.

PARTICIPANTS. Cerebral palsy patients and their primary caretakers in Hong Kong.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES. Perceived overprotection and psychological states.

RESULTS. Nearly two thirds of the 14 patients (mean age of 15 years) and 86% of the 14 primary caretakers (mean age of 47 years) perceived various levels of overprotection. For both patients and caretakers, perceived overprotection was positively associated with anxiety and unhappiness. The patients' and caretakers' psychological states and perception of overprotection were not related to the actual motor ability of the patients. Perceived overprotection of the patients was not related to that of the caretakers.

CONCLUSION. Caretakers should be mindful that a well-meaning move may have undesirable consequences. More support and child-rearing education should be considered for caretakers.

Hong Kong Med J 2008;14:286-91

Key words: Caregivers; Cerebral palsy; Parent-child relations