Parenting, self-regulation, and treatment adherence in pediatric chronic headache: A self-determination theory perspective

Abstract

This study examined parenting factors associated with children’s self-regulation and physician-rated treatment adherence using a self-determination theory framework in pediatric chronic headache. Participants were 58 children and adolescents (aged 10–17 years), who underwent initial and follow-up multidisciplinary evaluation at a headache clinic, and their mothers. Regression analyses showed that higher maternal autonomy support and structure were significantly related to children’s lower treatment-related reactance and higher adherence. Maternal controllingness had associations in the opposite directions. Children’s fear of pain was related to maternal controllingness. Results suggest the importance of parents’ provision of clear expectations and engaging children in treatment problem-solving and decision-making.