Factors influencing the coping of hospitalized school-age children.
Factors influencing the coping process in hospitalized children were examined by studying the effect of health status (acutely or chronically ill), gender, and trait anxiety on the coping behaviors used in response to intrusive hospital events and the perceived effectiveness of the overall coping process used during hospitalization. The sample consisted of 82 children, age 8 through 11 years, hospitalized in an acute care pediatric unit in one of six California hospitals. Data were obtained on the second or third day of admission, through interview, word graphic rating scale, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC). Significant results indicated that acutely ill children are more likely to perceive their coping as effective than are chronically ill children, and children with low trait anxiety are more likely to perceive their coping behaviors as effective than do those with high anxiety.
Bossert
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School of Nursing, Loma Linda University, CA 92350.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002648:Child; D002673:Child, Hospitalized / Q000523:psychology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors