The psychosocial characteristics of children with fractures.

We examined the psychosocial characteristics of 52 children with fractures. The parents completed questionnaires regarding injury circumstances, family functioning, home environment, and child behavior. Established psychosocial questionnaires were used: the McMaster Family Assessment Device (family environment), the Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire, and Achenback Child Behavior Checklist (child behavior). Parent's perception of family functioning fell within the average range. The children exhibited a significantly high degree of social competence problems as well as behavioral difficulties. These behavioral difficulties included conduct disorder features, psychosomatic complaints, and impulsive/hyperactive behavior. To the extent that these variables constitute risk factors unique to children with fractures, prevention strategies can be designed to decrease the incidence of pediatric fractures.