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THE ROLE OF CHILD LIFE SPECIALISTS IN MEETING THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN WITH CHRONICALLY ILL SIBLINGS

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Date Issued:
2015
Abstract/Description:
The purpose of this study was to explore the needs and concerns of siblings of children hospitalized with a chronic illness and to discuss the role that Child Life Specialists play in helping these siblings cope. With there being very few research studies in the fields of child development and child life regarding psychosocial development of siblings of chronically ill children, I felt it pertinent to conduct an exploratory study that would provide relevant and factual information to both fields that could inspire further research in both fields. I predicted that my results would show many similarities among Child Life Specialists' perceptions related to their experiences with siblings and would solidify the role that they play in meeting the needs of siblings, furthermore validating their worth in the hospital setting and in aiding in the psychosocial development of hospitalized children and their families. Face-to-face and telephone interviews, with 10 Child Life Specialists from three central Florida pediatric hospitals, were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed. Through this study, I have discovered that Child Life Specialists employ a variety of methods in meeting the needs of siblings of children diagnosed with a chronic illness. I have also discovered that Child Life Specialists perceive themselves as being able to make a positive impact in the life of children with chronically ill siblings in regard to their psychosocial development and coping. Further research in this area is needed.
Title: THE ROLE OF CHILD LIFE SPECIALISTS IN MEETING THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN WITH CHRONICALLY ILL SIBLINGS.
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Name(s): Mathis, Jenna, Author
Culp, Anne, Committee Chair
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2015
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to explore the needs and concerns of siblings of children hospitalized with a chronic illness and to discuss the role that Child Life Specialists play in helping these siblings cope. With there being very few research studies in the fields of child development and child life regarding psychosocial development of siblings of chronically ill children, I felt it pertinent to conduct an exploratory study that would provide relevant and factual information to both fields that could inspire further research in both fields. I predicted that my results would show many similarities among Child Life Specialists' perceptions related to their experiences with siblings and would solidify the role that they play in meeting the needs of siblings, furthermore validating their worth in the hospital setting and in aiding in the psychosocial development of hospitalized children and their families. Face-to-face and telephone interviews, with 10 Child Life Specialists from three central Florida pediatric hospitals, were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed. Through this study, I have discovered that Child Life Specialists employ a variety of methods in meeting the needs of siblings of children diagnosed with a chronic illness. I have also discovered that Child Life Specialists perceive themselves as being able to make a positive impact in the life of children with chronically ill siblings in regard to their psychosocial development and coping. Further research in this area is needed.
Identifier: CFH0004777 (IID), ucf:45379 (fedora)
Note(s): 2015-05-01
B.S.
Education, School of Teaching, Learning and Leadership
Bachelors
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): child life
child life specialist
chronic illness
children
siblings
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004777
Restrictions on Access: public
Host Institution: UCF

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