COPING STRATEGIES OF PRESCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN HOSPITALIZED IN A PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT.
Contributors: University of Virginia.
Published: 1992
Number of pages: 229
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.
Description: The experiences and perceptions of children hospitalized in pediatric intensive care units (PICU's) is a topic of great importance for these children's caregivers. It has been well documented that hospitalization poses a significant threat to children. Children's abilities to recover from critical illness are affected by the stressors they encounter and the ways in which they cope with those stressors (Kidder, 1989). In order to facilitate the recovery process the nurse must understand the nature of the stressor and the coping mechanisms children utilize. Currently there is little in the literature which describes the ways in which children in the PICU cope, and consequently, little to guide nurses as they strive to restore the child to optimum health.

An exploratory descriptive study was done to answer the primary research question: How do preschool-aged children, hospitalized in a pediatric intensive care unit cope with the experience. Secondary questions concerned the relationship between coping behaviors and other relevant variables. Eight subjects were drawn from preschool-aged children hospitalized in a pediatric intensive care unit in a major medical center located in the southeastern United States. Data consisting of demographics, developmental status and behavioral style, and coping strategies were collected. The primary data gathering method was the course of the PICU experience. Appropriate statistical analysis was done to determine if relationships existed between the coping strategies used by the preschoolers and the other variables.

Although no statistical significance was found, the study yielded important descriptive data regarding the coping behaviors evidenced by the preschoolers. It also provided foundational knowledge for future studies designed to provide information for pediatric critical care nurses which will assist them in planning care for their patients.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 54-02, Section: B, page: 0748.

Thesis (PH.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, 1992.

School code: 0246.