Perceived stressors and coping strategies of mothers of school-aged children with leukemia
Chin, C.C.
Gaoxiong Yi Xue Ke Xue Za Zhi 2(11): 688-693
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0257-5655 PMID: 3482686 Document Number: 282429
The purpose of this study was to recognize the perceived stressors and coping strategies of mothers with school-aged children suffering from leukemia. Data for this descriptive study was collected by in depth interview and content analysis. From eleven interviewing records of mothers, 1213 behavior units were obtained, including 388 units of stressors and 825 units of coping strategies. In the perceived stressors, the most threatening problems were the process of medical treatment, the child's loss of appetite, and the economic problems. The coping strategies most frequently identified were changes in rearing method, asking for help, and the seeking of relative information. The mother's affective reactions included anxiety, fear and sadness. Sometimes, avoidance was used to reduce stress. The mother's perceived stressors were influenced by the education level of the mother and the numbers of hospitalization involved. The affective reactions of mothers also tended to be influenced by the numbers of hospitalization, the appetite of the sick child, and the occurrance of vomiting in the child.