Childhood Medical Experience and Temperament as Predictors of Adult Functioning in Medical Situations

Abstract

Abstract The effects of childhood medical experiences and temperament on adults' medical fear, pain, coping effectiveness, and avoidance of medical situations were investi- gated. The Medical Experience Questionnaire, an instrument designed for this study, and the Dimensions of Temperament Scale-Revised (Windle & Lerner, 1986) were utilized. Participants were 147 young adults. Using correlational and hierarchical multiple regression analyses, results indicated that adults' medical fear was signifi- cantly predicted by children having experienced more medical fear and pain; by being more distractible; and by gender, with females being more fearful. Adults' medical pain was significantly predicted by having experienced more pain during childhood. Greater coping effectiveness in adulthood was related to having coped better in childhood. Avoidance of medical care as an adult was significantly predicted by being more fearful in childhood and by having a higher activity level. Recommendations for treatment and future research are provided.