The use of coping techniques to minimize anxiety in hospitalized children

Abstract

The effectiveness of a combination of three behavioral coping techniques was compared with a minimal preparation technique and a filmed modeling technique in reducing children's adverse reactions to elective tonsillectomies. Sixty-six children, ages 2.5 to 10.5, and their parents were treated in small groups using an information preparation and one of the following procedures: information only, coping, filmed modeling, or coping plus filmed modeling. Their reactions to hospitalization and elective tonsillectomies were evaluated using several observational, behavioral, physiological, and self-report techniques. Results indicated children receiving coping plus modeling techniques were more calm and cooperative during invasive procedures than children receiving coping or modeling alone. Other measures indicated that the coping procedures were more effective than modeling only procedures for both parents and children.