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Clinical Correlates and Mediators of Self-Concept in Youth with Chronic Tic Disorders

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Abstract

This study investigated the clinical correlates and mediators of self-concept in youth with Chronic Tic Disorders (CTD). Ninety-seven youth aged 6–17 (M = 11.1 ± 2.89; 79.4 % male) with CTD were administered the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale, the Piers-Harris Children’s Self-Concept Scale—Second Edition, and self-report and clinician-administered measures assessing behavioral and psychological difficulties and comorbid conditions. Youth with CTD had a slightly below average level of self-concept, with 20 % (n = 19) exhibiting low self-concept. Youth with CTD-only had greater self-concept relative to youth with CTD and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) (p = 0.04) or CTD, OCD, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) combined (p = 0.009). Medium-to-large-sized associations were observed between youth’s self-concept and clinical characteristics (e.g., severity of ADHD, OCD and depressive symptoms). Youth’s self-concept partially mediated the relationship between tic severity and depressive symptom severity, and the interaction between tic impairment and youth’s reliance on avoidant coping strategies moderated youth’s self-concept. Implications, limitations, and recommendations for future interventions are discussed.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank and acknowledge the contributions of Leah Jung, B.A. This work was supported by funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Impact of Tic Disorders including Tourette Syndrome, in Youth, on Individuals, Families and Communities” (U01DD000509).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida, 880 6th Street South, Suite 460, Box 7523, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA

    Camille E. Hanks, Joseph F. McGuire, Adam B. Lewin, Eric A. Storch & Tanya K. Murphy

  2. Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, USA

    Joseph F. McGuire, Adam B. Lewin & Eric A. Storch

  3. Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, USA

    Adam B. Lewin, Eric A. Storch & Tanya K. Murphy

  4. Rogers Behavioral Health – Tampa Bay, Tampa, FL, USA

    Eric A. Storch

  5. All Children’s Hospital – Johns Hopkins Medicine, St. Petersburg, FL, USA

    Eric A. Storch & Tanya K. Murphy

  6. Department of Health Policy and Management, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA

    Eric A. Storch

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  1. Camille E. Hanks
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  2. Joseph F. McGuire
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  3. Adam B. Lewin
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  4. Eric A. Storch
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  5. Tanya K. Murphy
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Correspondence to Tanya K. Murphy.

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Hanks, C.E., McGuire, J.F., Lewin, A.B. et al. Clinical Correlates and Mediators of Self-Concept in Youth with Chronic Tic Disorders. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 47, 64–74 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-015-0544-0

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