Establishing a correlation between functional independence and self-perceived quality of life in adolescents who are physically challenged

Abstract

The purpose of this study was two-fold. The first purpose was to establish the reliability of the Dallas Independent School District Functional Inventory (Fl) in its use within the physically challenged adolescent population. The second purpose was to investigate the presence or absence of a relationship between functional independence and self-perceived quality of life within the physically-challenged adolescent population. The instrumentation used within the study to measure this relationship consisted of the Functional Inventory (Fl) and the Quality of Life Profile - Adolescent Version (QOLPAV). Each assessment tool was administered to 29 adolescents within the Dallas Independent School District, San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District, and/or Austin Independent School District who met the predetermined criteria for participation. Data analysis, through the use of the Pearson-product moment correlation coefficient, failed to show a significant correlation between functional independence and self-perceived quality of life within the physically-challenged adolescent population. The information obtained from the absence of a relationship, however, is believed to be even more beneficial in the treatment of adolescents within physical therapy and other health professions. The results focus on emphasizing individuality and encouraging health professionals to heed each patient's individuality when considering treatment of adolescents who are physically challenged.