Bibliotherapy: using fiction to help children in two populations discuss feelings.
OBJECTIVE
To identify whether bibliotherapy will help children with short stature and diabetes discuss their feelings and to explore themes that may help children cope with short stature and diabetes.


METHODS
Twenty-seven children, referred to a pediatric endocrinologist, aged 7-16 years, participated in interviews after reading a work of fiction. A semi-structured interview guide was used in both groups to elicit feelings about the work of fiction, feelings of self-esteem, and attitudes toward the condition.


RESULTS
Children freely discussed their feelings about school experiences and condition-related issues. Several themes emerged from data analysis including the child's development of compensatory attributes, responses to teasing, and management of diabetes.


CONCLUSIONS
This study confirmed that bibliotherapy is an effective nursing intervention in children with short stature and diabetes. Bibliotherapy can be used by nurses to facilitate open discussion between nurses, children, and families.
Amer
K
K
DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001638:Bibliotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D001827:Body Height; D002648:Child; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires