Coping Responses and Adaptational Outcomes of Children Undergoing Orthopedic Surgery

Abstract

I examined the relationships between coping responses and adaptational outcomes of children undergoing elective orthopedic surgery. A sample of 27 children, aged 6 through 17 years, participated in the study. Children's coping responses, surgical adaptation, premorbid adjustment and cognitive functioning were assessed using repeated measures. Results' indicated that (a) premorbid adjustment was a powerful predictor of surgical adaptation, (b) children who used coping responses characterized by constructive limit setting exhibited better surgical adaptation, and (c) children who used greater numbers of coping responses exhibited less anxiety and withdrawal after surgery. The results suggested that the majority of children demonstrated "stress resistance." Variables contributing to such resistance and implications for children at risk for development psychological complications are discussed.