Concepts of illness in Icelandic children.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the development of illness concepts among healthy Icelandic children.


METHODS
Participants were 68 schoolchildren, 6-7, 10-11, and 14-15 years of age, and their parents. Cognitive developmental level and understanding of physical illness were assessed within a Piagetian framework. In addition, illness experience and illness behaviors (Child Illness Behavior Questionnaire) were assessed.


RESULTS
Results were consistent with previous studies in that the development of illness concepts among Icelandic children was consistent with Piaget's theory of cognitive development. No relation was found between illness experience and understanding of illness. A more mature understanding of illness was related to willingness to report the onset of illness.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that findings from previous studies may be generalized to a broader population.
Hansdottir
I
I
San Diego State University/University of California 92120-4913, USA.
Malcarne
V L
VL
D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007055:Iceland; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011582:Psychological Theory