Use of a projective technique to assess young children's appraisal and coping responses to a venipuncture.

Abstract

To examine the appraisal, emotional and coping responses of young hospitalized children to three phases of a venipuncture procedure. Exploratory, descriptive. Pediatric unit of a community hospital. Four- to 9-year-old hospitalized children (N = 45). Data were obtained by means of a projective technique and interview format. Content analysis of the children's responses was guided by the use of four published measures (appraisal, behavioral coping strategies, cognitive coping strategies, and helpful interventions). The children appraised each phase of the venipuncture as a threat, a benefit, or a threat/benefit. The most frequently identified behavioral coping strategies were self-protective behaviors and returning to normal activities. The most frequently identified cognitive coping behaviors were reality-oriented working through, emotion-regulating cognitions, and diversionary thinking. The children reported the most helpful intervention as providing information about the event. The children were able, through a projective technique, to appraise a venipuncture and spontaneously identify many cognitive and behavioral coping strategies and interventions to help them manage a venipuncture.