title: Parent adaptation and family functioning in relation to narratives of children with chronic illness.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study assessed the experience of parents who have a child diagnosed with chronic illness and whether children's narratives mirror these experiences.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 66 parents completed assessments about adaptation and family functioning. Children with type 1 diabetes or asthma participated in a story-stem narrative task.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-one percent of parents were unresolved about their child's diagnosis, regardless of time since diagnosis. Unresolved parents reported lower family functioning, and children in these families had more family conflict themes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Parental/Child narratives may provide unique insights into family adjustment. Future work may consider interventions related to family communication and expression of emotion.
authors: Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford CT; Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT. Electronic address: jpopp@ccmckids.org.
authors: Jill M
authors: JM
authors: Popp
authors: Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.
authors: JoAnn L
authors: JL
authors: Robinson
authors: Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.
authors: Preston A
authors: PA
authors: Britner
authors: Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.
authors: Thomas O
authors: TO
authors: Blank
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001249:Asthma / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000523:psychology; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D033262:Narration; D010290:Parents; D013315:Stress, Psychological
keywords: Children's narratives; Chronic illness; Family functioning; Narratives; Reaction to diagnosis