Multivariate Concept of Psychosomatic Illness the Self-Concept of Asthmatic Children

Abstract

The self-concept of asthmatic children was studied in order to demonstrate the complicated nature of the psychosomatic syndrome; that of 18 asthmatic children was compared to those of three other groups': 20 healthy children, 20 children with emotional difficulties and 11 children with cystic fibrosis. Measures reflecting the psychological self- acceptance differentiated the healthy children significantly from the two groups with emotional difficulties (asthmatics, and children with adjustment difficulties). Measures reflecting physical self acceptance differentiated the healthy group significantly from the two groups with somatic complaints (asthmatics and cystic fibrosis children).