ABSTRACT
A cross-sectional survey using a convenience sample of 157 Missouri rural and urban children (ages 8-13 years) yielded no significant differences in perceptions of stressors or use of coping strategies for dealing with those stressors between rural and urban children. The Feel Bad Scale and the Schoolagers' Coping Strategies Inventory measured the children's perceptions of stressors and use of coping strategies. Rural children experienced stressor levels equivalent to urban children, yet they were underserved in mental and physical health needs. The children studied reported self-care through coping strategies for management of their stressors. Longitudinal research is needed to identify the impact of stress and interventions on the health and behavior of children in rural settings.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Health Services Needs and Demand/statistics & numerical data , Rural Health/statistics & numerical data , Stress, Psychological/epidemiology , Adolescent , Attitude to Health , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Medically Underserved Area , Mental Health Services , Missouri/epidemiology , Perception , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Schools , Urban Health/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
Research reports the uncertain outcome of variables affecting the life of a child of an MI parent. Nurses must avoid stereotyping children before assessment; they are to be in the forefront in assessing self-care skills and deficits to guide planning individual interventions for children and MI parents. Long-term research theory-based interventions will enhance mental health in high-risk children and families.
Subject(s)
Child of Impaired Parents/psychology , Mental Disorders/psychology , Personality Development , Adaptation, Psychological , Child , Humans , Social EnvironmentABSTRACT
This integrative review of children's perceptions of stressors and coping strategies contained only 14 studies published from September 1979 to March 1989. Most of these descriptive studies were theory-based research using convenience samples of children (aged 8-12 years) in urban settings. Commonly identified stressful events were fear of negative evaluation (adult or peer), parental conflict or loss, and conflict with an adult. Categories of commonly identified coping strategies were social support, physical activities, and avoidance activities. Individual studies reported that more children tended to catastrophize than to cope; normal amounts of stress may enhance a familial tendency for migraines; increased information and age tended to increase the amount of active modes of coping while in the hospital; and children given frequent and complete information about their sibling's illness tended to be more positive about their own development. Recommendations for further research are included.
