Adjustment and coping Flashcards
How does hospitalization affect school-age children?
Four aspects difficult for older children
1. Greater need for control
2. Worry
3. Being away from peers
4. Privacy
Be familiar with different coping strategies (approach vs. avoidant).
Approach coping: Strategies to cope are focused DIRECTLY at the stressor (e.g., problem-solving, seeking emotional support, learning more about illness). This pattern is more helpful overall for youth with chronic illnesses and linked to better outcomes
Avoidant coping: Strategies are focused AWAY from the stressor (e.g., watching TV, or thinking about something else). May help during acute stress (e.g., getting stitches)
Know how children’s coping styles tend to differ from adult coping styles.
Children are more flexbile and are able to change coping styles depending on the situation, while adults are “stuck in their ways”, less likely to change. Child can be in out and of the hospital/school, they are easier to adjust than adults (child’s brain is like plastic and is flexible to stations, while adults have a harder time with change)
Know the different ways in which a family can help their child cope with hospitalization.
- Give information to them (ideally before hospitalization) (this could include explaining the reason for the stay, describing what it will be like, using words the child understands)
- Allow the child opportunities to ask questions
How does prolonged separation from parents due to lengthy hospitalization affect
children’s behavior?
It can cause regressive or disruptive behavior (protest or despair)
How does being a sibling of children with chronic illnesses affect adjustment?
Increased risk for emotional + behavioral problems or lower life satisfaction. Typical or healthy functioning, self-concept, etc. Possible positive impact. May vary as a function of the sibling position (older siblings shown to report more negative impact than younger siblings)
