Date of Award
Summer 1980
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Nursing
Abstract
The coping behaviors of a nine-year-old boy hospitalized and immobilized for the treatment of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease were observed by the investigator while participating in nursing care of the child. Data was collected in the form of process recordings. Data was analyzed and categorized according to frequency and in relation to events. The four major categories of coping behaviors identified in order of frequency were: (1) information-seeking behaviors, (2) regulation of activities behaviors, (3) information-sharing behaviors, and (4) escape behaviors. Cognitive mastery, particularly concerning temporal-spatial relationships, was reflected in the first three categories of behaviors used for coping. Information-seeking behaviors predominated throughout the pre-surgical phase of hospitalization and indicated a need to orient self in time and space. When autonomy was threatened, regulation of activities behaviors increased. Immediately before surgery, and for three days after surgery, regulation of activities indicated a regression to primary process thinking. During this same period of time, escape behaviors appeared most frequently, indicating a need to withdraw from stressful situations. As recovery from surgery progressed, secondary thought processes resumed, regulation of activities behaviors decreased, and the use of escape behaviors ceased.
Recommended Citation
Krueger, Marlene Ruth, "A Description of the Coping Behaviors Used by a Nine-Year Old Boy while Hospitalized and Immobilized for the Treatment of Legg-Calve-Perthes Diseases" (1980). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 3471.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/3471