Parental stress in hospital contexts: case study in pediatric patients
Keywords:
parental stress; pediatric hospitalization; emotional impact; psychological support.Abstract
This research aimed to analyze parental stress in hospital settings in pediatric patients at the University of Navarra Clinic (Pamplona – Spain). Specific questionnaires were applied such as the Stress Scale in Mothers in Intensive Care and the Pre-Surgical Concerns Questionnaire. The results showed that the physical appearance of the child and medical treatments were the main stress factors in parents, especially in the case of the mother, who experienced high levels of anxiety due to her son’s deterioration. Despite trust in the medical staff, uncertainty about the evolution of the disease intensified family stress. In conclusion, the findings show the need for psychological support strategies for parents of hospitalized children, in order to strengthen their resilience and improve their emotional well-being in prolonged hospital settings.
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