Motor Abilities and Coping in Children with and without Developmental Coordination Disorder

Abstract

Introduction: This study was conducted in order to identify differences in motor abilities and coping in children with and without developmental coordination disorder. The study also discusses the relationship between coping and motor abilities. Method: A cross-sectional design with two independent groups was chosen to identify the differences. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children — second edition (Henderson et al 2007) was used to assess motor skills. Coping was evaluated with the Coping Inventory observation form (Adaptive Behaviour Index) (Zeitlin 1985). Results: Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed significant differences between the motor abilities and coping efforts of children with and without developmental coordination disorder. Calculations using Pearson's correlation coefficient showed a significant correlation between coping and motor competences. In the overall model, boys and children with lower coping efforts were found more likely to be participants in the group with development coordination disorder. Conclusion: Children with coordination problems differ from typically developing children in their motor and coping abilities when rated by their parents. This highlights the importance of paying attention to the coping strategies and resources of children with developmental coordination disorder during therapy.

Occupational adaptation – analyzing the maturity and understanding of the concept through concept analysis

“…Ruckser-Scherb, Roth [107] emphasised that a key aspect of occupational adaptation was the learning that occurs through doing and participating in occupations. When occupational difficulties are encountered, individuals have to use problem solving strategies to facilitate occupational performance.…”

“…For example, Lexell, Iwarsson [32] described occupational adaptation as an ongoing, dynamic process requiring balancing of identity and competence. The ongoing learning that occurs as part of the occupational adaptation process has also been outlined [107,111]. Several authors, including Ruckser-Scherb, Roth [107], identified that if a response to occupational challenge is adaptive, resulting in success, it is remembered for future use, so enhancing the individual's coping skills.…”

Performance difficulties, activity limitations and participation restrictions of adolescents with developmental coordination disorder (DCD)

“…Emotional problems experienced by adolescents with DCD often manifest through anger, frustration, unhappiness, distress, depression and low self-esteem (Smyth and Anderson, 2000). A study by Ruckser-Scherb et al. (2013) adds to these findings by highlighting that there is a relationship between motor coordination difficulties and coping skills.…”

“…Emotional problems experienced by adolescents with DCD often manifest through anger, frustration, unhappiness, distress, depression and low self-esteem (Smyth and Anderson, 2000). A study by Ruckser-Scherb et al (2013) adds to these findings by highlighting that there is a relationship between motor coordination difficulties and coping skills. The sample size in this study was small, but the results were significant and supported the fact that children with DCD have more problems 'coping with self' and are not always able to fulfil their personal needs; they also experience difficulty 'coping with environment', being less likely to succeed in adapting to the requirements of others and their surroundings.…”

“…The sample size in this study was small, but the results were significant and supported the fact that children with DCD have more problems ‘coping with self’ and are not always able to fulfil their personal needs; they also experience difficulty ‘coping with environment’, being less likely to succeed in adapting to the requirements of others and their surroundings. Investigation of such long-term health outcomes is necessary as Ruckser-Scherb et al.’s study (2013) does not draw associations between poor coping skills and long-term emotional wellbeing and mental health. Emerging research is suggesting a profile of anxiety difficulties for some children and adolescents with DCD (Pratt and Hill, 2011).…”