Parents’ attitudes towards a difficult situation resulting from the chronic disease of their child

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The family is a reliable and permanent source of support for every human being. It is the key link in the welfare system. The aim of the study is to assess parents’ attitudes towards the occurrence of a difficult situation resulting from a child’s chronic illness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved randomly selected parents of children with chronic diseases (N=107). The study was carried out at the Dental Clinic of the ‘Little Prince’ Children’s Hospice in Lublin. RESULTS: The study revealed that for parents a difficult life situation is mainly associated with the disability of a family member or a friend, whereas the action approach is the most frequently chosen attitude towards a child’s chronic disease. In the examined group of parents, a significant correlation was observed between the age of the parents and the choice of a specific parental attitude towards the child’s chronic disease (in terms of intellectual approach). However, no significant correlations were found between the parents’ place of residence and the choice of a specific parental attitude towards the chronic disease of a child. CONCLUSIONS: During the diagnosis of chronically ill children, parents should also be educated in this regard. Therapy and psychological help, as well as directing parents to relevant support groups, organizations or associations, will prove immensely valuable while coping with a difficult life situation.