Abstract: |
The study examined the impact of three coping behaviors (non-procedure-related statements and behaviors, information seeking, and requests for modifications in the procedure) exhibited during stressful medical procedures performed on 45 children undergoing cancer treatment. Using videotaped recordings of venipunctures, the relations among the three coping behaviors and the relations between coping and distress were investigated. Because age was associated with both distress and coping, age was partialled out when computing correlations. Coping behaviors were independent (i.e., not correlated). A pattern of consistent, weak-to-moderate associations was noted between non-procedure-related behaviors and reductions in both concurrent and subsequent distress. The role of developmental differences in the study of children's coping are discussed. © 1993 Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy. All rights reserved. |