Coping Behavior of Physically Handicapped Children

Abstract

Examples of three children's coping behavior have been given. Each child had a somewhat different coping style. While all three of the children actively coped by attempting to control the situation, Jane and Ricky did so with good humor and willingness to accept ideas and help from others. However, Annette's demanding behavior generated frustration and despair in her mother. In the hospital, the nursing staff became frustrated and angry and interacted with Annette and her mother only when absolutely necessary. Thus, while Jane and Ricky's behavior generated continuing sources of help and support in the hospital, Annette's behavior engendered punitive behavior and diminished support from the staff. Jane, Ricky, and Annette each had different degrees of disability resulting from their medical problems. Jane had a fairly minor difficulty that was correctable. Because Ricky's bladder neck obstruction was not diagnosed before kidney damage occurred, he had a long-term and possibly fatal physical handicap. However, both Jane and Ricky had learned to cope with good humor and flexibility. Annette's physical handicap, while serious, can be alleviated to a large degree. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, Annette developed coping strategies that tend to frustrate and anger children and adults with whom she comes in contact. Children with physical handicaps have much attention given to correcting those physical handicaps. Little, if any, attention is given to the psychosocial handicaps they may be developing along the way. The prevention of psychosocial handicaps is contingent upon ongoing evaluation of how the child and his family are coping with all aspects of their life situation, including but not limited to the physical handicap. Children who seem to be coping well, such as Jane and Ricky, need to be supported and encouraged and provided with additional opportunities for continuing growth. However, children who seem to be experiencing difficulties, such as Annette, need consistent and deliberate help. Annette was the only child of middle-aged parents who were having both marital and financial problems. Thus, Annette's physical problem was but one of many factors that contributed to her style of coping. Whether or not children are coping positively can be assessed by looking at the type and range of coping behavior that the children are using. Some behavior that is sometimes labeled negative, such as regression and aggression, is a necessary part of children's coping process. Thus no one type of behavior should be labeled as positive or negative coping; instead, children's total repertoire of behavior should be considered.