Adaptation to Chronic Childhood Illness

9781557986191

1557986193

In the United States, the lives of more than 10 million children are affected by chronic illnesses. In this book, the authors introduce a multidimensional framework for examining the development and adaptation of children with chronic illness. This framework encompasses biomedical, psychological, and social-ecological factors to be considered in developing intervention efforts to enhance adaptation in this population. Specific chronic illnesses discussed are asthma, cancer, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, sickle-cell disease, and spina bifida.Adaptation to Chronic Childhood Illness is divided into four sections that cover the impact of chronic childhood illness, developmental changes, enhancement of adaptation, and goals for public policy and research. This book is intended as more than a reference tool for those studying the process of adaptation; it can serve to influence the formulation of research questions, intervention programs, and public policy.