Trudy Havermans

Mothers' and fathers' coping with chronic childhood disease.

Abstract Mothers and fathers with a child with diabetes, asthma, cardiac conditions, epilepsy or leukaemia completed questionnaires to investigate their appraisal of disease-related difficulties and patterns of coping. There were differences both in appraised difficulties and coping patterns as a function of diagnostic group. In general, mothers who perceived more difficulties reported that it was helpful to cope by gaining disease-related knowledge. Fathers who perceived more difficulties reported it was more helpful to adopt strategies to enhance their own personal autonomy. Fathers who perceived more difficulties also reported that contact with medical staff was less helpful. Implications are discussed in terms of the differential implications of coping with chronic childhood diseases for mothers and fathers. Theoretical models need to take into account the differential demands of specific diseases in accounting for parents stress appraisal and coping patterns.

Quality of Life in Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes in Relation to Demographic and Disease Variables

Sixty‐nine young adults (mean age 21 (range 15–25) years) with Type 1 diabetes completed measures of diabetes knowledge and quality of life. Factor analysis of the quality of life scale resulted in the identification of three subscales (social relationships, diabetes concerns, and impact). There was no relation between any of the quality of life subscales with knowledge, or with multiple versus twice‐daily insulin injection regimens. Higher self‐rated diabetes satisfaction was related to lower fructosamine levels and better clinic attendance (p < 0.05). Females reported a more negative impact of diabetes on their lives compared with males (p < 0.05).

Coming of Age with Diabetes: Patients' Views of a Clinic for Under‐25 year olds

This study is both an evaluation of patients perceptions of a diabetes clinic for under‐25 year olds, and an assessment of experiences in transferring from a paediatric clinic. Sixty‐nine patients with Type 1 diabetes (74% of the total clinic), including 41 females, completed evaluations of the clinic and recall of experiences in transfer. Mean age on transferring clinic was 15.9 (range 12–20) years. Paediatricians were perceived to emphasise family and social life, school or work progress; adult physicians tended to stress the risk of long‐term complications, importance of exercise and need to maintain strict levels of glycaemic control. Our data suggest that transition to adult care can generally be achieved non‐traumatically, but patients may perceive some difficulty because of different emphases and treatment advice favoured by paediatricians and adult physicians.

The measurement of self-esteem: practical and theoretical considerations

Abstract Pupils from three age groups (187 in year 7; 161 in year 8 and 200 in year 9) completed two separate measures of self-esteem. Children in years 7 and 8 completed the Self Perception Profile for Children (Harter, The Self-perception Profile for Children: Revision of the Perceived Competence Scale for Children , 1985) and those in year 9 the Self Perception Profile for Adolescents (Harter, The Self-perception Profile for Adolescents , 1988). We report reservations about the use of Harters scales for British children, especially in that there was not a ready differentiation of overall self-esteem into specific domains as suggested by Harter. A small proportion of pupils experienced some difficulties in understanding the response format. The data are discussed in terms of the development of multidimensionality of self-esteem in childhood.

Routine stresses in caring for a child with cystic fibrosis.

Difficulties experienced by mothers caring for a child with cystic fibrosis were assessed. Difficulties were categorized as: (1) developmental, which included tasks generic to all families (bedtimes, socialization, siblings and communication with others); and (2) illness, which were especially pertinent to the care of the child with cystic fibrosis (mealtimes, physiotherapy and home-based medical care). Age differences were found in stresses associated with developmental routines, with mothers of younger children reporting more difficulties. With regard to illness routines, more difficulties were reported for children in better health (higher Shwachman scores). The data suggest that parents experience increasing difficulties in implementing home-based medical care where the child is in better health. Clinic staff need to be more aware of these difficulties and target information to parents appropriately.

Locus of control and efficacy in healthy children and those with diabetes

Abstract Eight-five healthy children (mean age = 11.5 years) and 61 with diabetes completed measures of health locus of control and health-related self-efficacy. Those with diabetes also completed a diabetes specific self-efficacy scale. Low but significant correlations were found between locus of control and both efficacy measures. Factor analysis of the health efficacy scale yielded three factors (personal responsibility, safety and communication). Three factors were also derived for the diabetes efficacy scale (personal responsibility, social communication and minimization of threat). In terms of locus of control, children with diabetes expressed weaker beliefs in powerful others and personal control than healthy children, and weaker beliefs in the personal responsibility sub-scale of general health efficacy. Results are discussed in terms of the theoretical and practical implications of locus of control and efficacy in diabetes management.

The Place of Bereavement and Loss in the Curriculum: Teachers' Attitudes

(1995). The Place of Bereavement and Loss in the Curriculum: Teachers Attitudes. Pastoral Care in Education: Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 32-36.