Long-Term Psychosocial Adaptation of Children Who Survive Burns Involving 80% or Greater Total Body Surface Area

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Abstract
To examine the psychosocial adjustment of survivors of massive pediatric burn injuries, the change in adjustment across time, and the impact on parents. Patients/parents were assessed at regular intervals postburn using standardized tests of adjustment. Patients who could not be included in standardized longitudinal assessments were administered questionnaires by mail/telephone. The Child Behavior Checklist, the Teacher Report Form, the Youth Self Report Form, and the Parenting Stress Index were utilized to assess adjustment. On all objective measures, the group of survivors and their parents were within normal limits. Adjustment neither improved nor deteriorated over time. Children who survive massive burn injuries can achieve positive psychosocial adaptation.