Source
Purdue University School of Nursing, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE:
To explore the relationships among appraisals of vaso-occlusive events, coping behavior during the event, and adjustment in adolescents with sickle cell disease.
METHOD:
A descriptive, correlation design used a purposive sample of 68 adolescents with sickle cell disease. Three questionnaires were used to collect the data: Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory (PBPI), Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CQS), and a demographic questionnaire. Correlation and multiple regression were used to analyze the data.
FINDINGS:
Appraisal factors positively correlated with coping strategies and adjustment. Multiple regression found that appraisal of the event as catastrophic predicted the reinterpretation of pain sensations (p < .001).
CONCLUSIONS:
Adolescents with more negative thoughts during vaso-occlusion crisis used ineffective coping strategies and reported poorer adjustment.