Abstract
Objective: This study aims to investigate and compare psychological responses in children and parents 1 month after trauma- and nontrauma-related hospital admission. Methods: Two hundred and five children aged 7-16 years (and their parents) were assessed for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), other psychopathology, and distress 1 month after trauma-related (Trauma Group; n = 101) and nontrauma-related hospital admission (Non-Trauma Group; n = 104). Results: Clinically elevated PTSD symptom levels were more prevalent in children admitted for trauma-related (18%) than nontrauma-related reasons (4%). Parents also experienced posttraumatic distress, although rates of clinically elevated symptom levels did not differ between the Trauma (11%) and Non-Trauma (8%) groups. Other pathology and distress in children and parents were comparable across groups. Conclusions: Children experienced greater posttraumatic distress following trauma-related hospital admission, while parents' experience of their child's hospitalization is equally distressing regardless of the reason for admission.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 435-440 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of pediatric psychology |
Volume | 33 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - May 2008 |
Keywords
- Children
- Hospital admission
- Illness
- Injury
- Pediatrics
- Posttraumatic stress disorder
- Trauma