Maternal Reports of Raising Children With Chronic Illnesses:The Prevalence of Positive Thinking

Abstract

To examine maternal reports of the positive impact and potential benefits of a child's chronic health condition. A total of 190 mothers and their children with chronic illnesses, including sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, diabetes mellitus, and asthma, were recruited from 12 specialty or general pediatric clinics in Baltimore, Md. Standardized interviews were conducted with the mothers and included demographics, condition-related variables, and positive aspects of raising a child with a chronic condition. Eighty-eight percent of the mothers felt better about themselves by learning to manage their child's chronic condition; 70% felt that their families were stronger because of their child's condition; and 80% felt that their family had benefited in some way from having a child with a chronic illness. Ninety-eight percent of the mothers endorsed at least 1 positive item; 58% endorsed all 3. Asking mothers about the positive impact on a family of a child's chronic illness captures an important part of the experience of caregiving. Physicians' recognition and encouragement of this positive outlook may help families continue to face the challenges of raising a child with a chronic illness.