Factors Associated with Cognitive Adaptability and Self-Concept Challenges Among Youth with Bipolar Disorders

This study presents baseline findings from Objective 2 of a broader investigation examining factors associated with cognitive adaptability and multidimensional self-concept challenges among youth aged 18–20 diagnosed with bipolar spectrum disorders in Johannesburg, Region D, South Africa. Using a positivist within-group quasi-experimental design, data were collected from 63 outpatient participants using a Socio-Demographic Questionnaire, the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, and the Multidimensional Self-Concept Scale, and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicated a hierarchical pattern of vulnerability, with the family domain showing the greatest impairment, followed by academic and physical domains, while cognitive adaptability reflected moderate flexibility with low perceived control. Significant associations were observed between gender and family self-concept (p = .019), and birth order and physical self-concept (p = .015). Overall, relational and social factors were stronger predictors of impairment than diagnostic classification, suggesting that cognitive adaptability and self-concept challenges in this cohort are primarily socially and relationally driven