Files
Abstract
This investigation assessed relationships among internalizing emotional symptoms, barriers, and medication adherence in adolescents with solid organ transplants. Although past research has suggested these variables are significantly correlated, this study is among the first to examine the mediational role of barriers in the relationship between emotional functioning and adherence. The study sample included 72 adolescents who have received solid organ transplants. Both self-report and immunosuppressant drug assay values were collected. Multiple mediator models were tested via bootstrapping methods. Results indicated that barriers related to adapting to the medication regimen (e.g., forgetting, not being organized) mediated the relationship between the internalizing symptoms of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress and self-reported medication adherence. These findings indicate possible mechanisms through which distressed emotional functioning adversely impacts medication adherence. Conclusions have clinical implications for assessing and treating adolescent transplant recipients who have high internalizing symptoms and are non-adherent to their medication.