Unplanned Hospitalization of a Child: Perceptions of Stress, Family Life Events, and Coping Resources

Author

Jennifer Lee Moes, Grand Valley State University

Date Approved

1999

Graduate Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Nursing (M.S.N.)

Degree Program

College of Nursing

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the parental perceptions of family stress, family life events, and coping strategies of a family whose child is hospitalized in the pediatric unit.

A descriptive correlational design with a non-probability convenience sample consisted of 30 parents or primary caretakers of a child who was hospitalized in pediatrics. Data was obtained with three instruments; 1) demographic questionnaire assessing current perceived stress of the family, 2) Family Inventory of Life Events (FILE); and 3) Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales (F-COPES).

Data analysis included three correlations between (a) pile-up and perceived family stress, (b) pile-up and family’s coping strategies, and (c) family’s perceived level of stress and their coping strategies. The only statistically significant finding was the relationship between pile-up and the families coping strategies. As the number of other stressors in the family (pile-up) increased, the ability for the family to utilize their coping strategies decreased.

Comments

Questions or concerns regarding the copyright status of this item may be directed to scholarworks@gvsu.edu.

ScholarWorks Citation

Moes, Jennifer Lee, "Unplanned Hospitalization of a Child: Perceptions of Stress, Family Life Events, and Coping Resources" (1999). Masters Theses. 513.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/theses/513