Finding the Silver Lining: Children and families' abilities to perceive benefits in the face of adversity

Many individuals faced with chronic illnesses state their experience has led to benefits. Adult research suggests individuals' abilities to perceive gains during times of adversity impacts their health; yet, research into children's perceptions is limited. Accordingly, this study investigated (a) what factors are associated with benefit finding in children, (b) the relationship between benefit finding among family members, and (c) whether children who perceived more benefits during the cancer experience have better psychological and physical well-being than those who perceived fewer benefits. To address these hypotheses, children, caregivers, and their nurses completed measures. Children in this sample most often endorsed changes in life priorities as a benefit regardless of age. Families noted that they felt closer to one another and were more aware of the love and support others offered. No relationships were found between children's benefit finding and their quality of life or the severity of their illness.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Kansas

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Bender, Jade Andromeda

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Roberts, Michael C

• Clinical psychology
• Benefit finding
• Children
• Growth
• Trauma

Statement dc:rights

• This item is protected by copyright and unless otherwise specified the copyright of this thesis/dissertation is held by the author.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

http://dissertations.umi.com/ku:11016

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:kuscholarworks.ku.edu:1808/7074