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

<b>Background.</b> 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. <b>Purpose.</b> 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. <b>Methods.</b> 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. <b>Findings.</b> 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. <b>Conclusion.</b> 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.