Emotional and social functioning after stroke in childhood: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose

To provide an overview of the effects of pediatric stroke on emotional and social functioning in childhood.

Methods

A literature review was completed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews. A systematic search of studies on internalizing problems and social functioning after pediatric stroke in PsycInfo, PsycArticles, and PubMed databases was conducted from inception to November 2021. A total of 583 studies were identified, and 32 met the inclusion criteria.

Results

The review suggests that children after stroke are at risk of developing internalizing problems and a wide range of social difficulties. Internalizing problems are often associated with environmental factors such as family functioning and parents’ mental health. In addition, a higher risk of developing psychosocial problems is associated with lower cognitive functioning and severe neurological impairment.

Conclusions

The assessment of psychological well-being and social functioning after pediatric stroke is helpful to provide adequate support to children and their families. Future studies are needed to better investigate these domains and to develop adequate methodologies for specific interventions.

Implication for rehabilitation

• This paper reviews research concerning emotional and social functioning following pediatric stroke in order to provide helpful information to clinicians and families and to improve rehabilitation pathways.

• Emotional and social functioning should be addressed during post-stroke evaluation and follow-up, even when physical and cognitive recovery is progressing well.

• Care in pediatric stroke should include volitional treatment and address emotional and social issues.

Keywords:

• Childhood stroke
• outcomes
• emotional functioning
• social functioning
• internalizing problems

Disclosure statement

No conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was partially supported by the Italian Ministry of Health (“Ricerca Corrente”) and by Compagnia di San Paolo (Grant ROL 20573).