Mary Grace Roe

2026 Next Generation Scientists Travel Award

Mary Grace Roe

Undergraduate Research Assistant at University of Alabama at Birmingham

Project Title: Factors Influencing Risk and Resilience in Caregivers of Children with Hydrocephalus

Caregivers of children with hydrocephalus often face challenges during ongoing medical care, which can place them at risk for psychological distress. In this study, more than one in four caregivers reported post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) at levels consistent with a provisional PTSD diagnosis.

From that, we wanted to know if hardiness, a form of psychological resilience, could be linked to lower PTSS. We found caregivers who reported higher overall hardiness, also reported fewer post-traumatic stress symptoms.

For patients and families, these findings acknowledge the importance of recognizing caregiver stress early and offering support. In pediatric neurosurgical settings, providing screenings, interventions, and tailored resources may weaken stress symptoms and strengthen the psychological resilience of not just the caregiver, but the patient and their loved ones too. Top of FormBottom of Form