The Influence of Time and Type of Preparation on Children's Adjustement to Hospitalization

Abstract

Film modeling was found to reduce anxiety in children preparing for hospitalization and surgery. These effects held true even in the absence of a large scale preoperative preparation program in the hospital. Older children appeared to benefit from seeing the film one week in advance of actual hospitalization. Younger children needed more immediate preparation. The effectiveness of the film in reducing anxiety was enhanced when the child observer was similar in age, sex, and race to the child narrator of the film.