Developmental Coordination Disorder: Emotional and Cognitive Implications on Adults’ Quality of Life

Background.: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) may persist into adulthood, reduce function, participation, and quality of life (QOL). The negative impacts of DCD are mainly studied in children. Purpose. To explore the interrelations between factors affected by DCD in adults, with a focus on emotional/cognitive burdens, self-efficacy, and examine their direct/indirect effects on QOL. Methods. Based on Adult Developmental Co-ordination Checklist (ADC) cutoff scores, 240 adults were divided into three groups: (1) suspected DCD (s-DCD), (2) probable DCD (p-DCD), and (3) normal motor coordination. Participants completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21, General Self-Efficacy scale, Daily Living Questionnaire (functional cognition), and The World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire brief form. Structural equation modeling examined mediation effects. Findings. The p-DCD group had the lowest emotional status, functional cognition, self-efficacy, and QOL and significantly differed from the s-DCD group in functional cognition. Emotional distress and self-efficacy mediated between motor coordination and QOL. Conclusion. The emotional-cognitive burdens in adults with DCD are related to motor deficits severity, reduced self-efficacy, and lower QOL. DCD should be screened and treated in adults to reduce daily life restrictions and elevate QOL.