Survival from a wild animal attack: a case study analysis of adolescent coping.
OBJECTIVE
Adolescent coping strategies and long-term effects of a life-threatening event are examined in this retrospective case study.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the hospital care and follow-up support given to an 11-year-old girl who was savagely mauled by a cougar. An in-depth analysis of the patient's significant memories six-and-a-half years after the incident is also presented.


METHODS
Two hour semi-structured, information gathering interviews with the adolescent when she was 16 years old.


RESULTS
The outcome of this case study analysis served as a partial debriefing of the experience for the adolescent girl.


CONCLUSIONS
This case study provides a useful resource to practitioners and patients who may experience similar situations. Nurses have a role to play in anticipating and preparing children for later hospital-based, post-trauma interventions and assisting other adolescents who are injured and hospitalized.
Denholm
C J
CJ
Department of Education, University of Tasmania (Hobart), Australia.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000818:Animals; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery; D002335:Carnivora; D002648:Child; D002673:Child, Hospitalized / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors