Parental and child perspectives on adaptation to childhood chronic illness: A qualitative study
- 13 November 2009
- journal article
- other
- Published by SAGE Publications in Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry
- Vol. 15 (1), 39-53
- https://doi.org/10.1177/1359104509338432
Abstract
This qualitative study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the adaptation of children and families to childhood chronic illness. Considering ecological theories and child empowerment, we departed from the usual practice of relying solely on parental report by also soliciting children’s views. Eighteen children aged 7—14 with cancer, chronic renal failure or type 1 diabetes, and 21 of their parents, participated. The inclusion of several conditions enabled the examination of data from a categorical versus non-categorical perspective. Focus groups supplemented by individual interviews explored participants’ views about challenges and the processes they considered important in enhancing adaptation to a chronic illness. Children, as well as parents, provided rich material. Thematic analysis revealed 11 main themes. Six concerned the impact of the illness on various aspects of life. The other main themes were the meaning of disease, stress-processing, social support, future concerns and psychosocial interventions. There were many similarities and some differences between parent and child reports. Many issues were common across illness groups, consistent with a non-categorical approach, though there were some illness-specific issues, especially for those with cancer. Positive as well as negative material emerged. Implications for clinical services are discussed.Keywords
This publication has 27 references indexed in Scilit:
- Evidence-based Assessment, Intervention and Psychosocial Care in Pediatric Oncology: A Blueprint for Comprehensive Services Across TreatmentJournal of Pediatric Psychology, 2007
- 'I Value What You have to Say'. Seeking the Perspective of Children with a Disability, Not Just their ParentsDisability & Society, 2003
- The Use of Focus Group Interviews in Pediatric Health Care ResearchJournal of Pediatric Psychology, 2002
- Positive affect and the other side of coping.American Psychologist, 2000
- Promoting psychological well-being in the face of serious illness: when theory, research and practice inform each otherPsycho‐Oncology, 2000
- Psychosocial Adjustment of Children with Chronic IllnessJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 1999
- Understanding the meanings of children: a reflexive processChildren & Society, 1998
- Brief Report: An Intervention Program for Parents of Pediatric Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled TrialJournal of Pediatric Psychology, 1998
- Qualitative inquiry: an overview for pediatric psychology.Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 1998
- Family context in pediatric psychology from a transactional perspective: family rituals and stories as examples.Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 1997