Work

Children’s Appraisal and Coping with Pain: Relation to Maternal Ratings of Worry and Restriction in Family Activities

Year: 2005

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine the relation of children's pain severity, perceived pain threat, and passive coping to maternal worry and family activities. METHODS: We assessed pain severity, perceived threat (conceptualized as beliefs about pain seriousness and coping ability), and coping strategies in 130 patients with chronic abdominal pain. Mothers rated the impact of the child's health on maternal worry and family activities. RESULTS: Controlling for pain severity, higher pain threat was associated with maternal reports of greater worry and limitations in family activities due to the child's health. Children's use of passive-coping strategies was not related to maternal worry or family activity limitations. CONCLUSIONS: Health care providers should assess patients' pain beliefs, correct misperceptions about pain seriousness, and help increase patients' perceived efficacy in coping with pain.

Source: Journal of Pediatric Psychology

DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsj038

Authors: Tricia A. Lipani, Lynn S. Walker

Institution: Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Pediatric Pain Management Techniques

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development