Stress Responses in Hospitalized Schoolchildren
The article treats some peculiarities of stress responses in school children being hospitalized. The relevance of the research is accounted for by the fact that childhood illnesses which require ongoing medical attention or prolonged hospitalization are associated with negative effects on children's emotional state during the period of ill health or hospitalization and can have long-lasting effects.The analysis of research literature and observational studies enables the researchers to single out peculiarities pertaining to children's adaptation to hospitalization and factors affecting stress responses, such as separation from family and friends, inability to be involved in studies, ill health and medical procedures, parents' emotional state and their attitude to ill health and hospitalization, personal characteristics.The authors conclude that there is a deficit of knowledge about stress responses in children with post-traumatic stress disorder and other somatic conditions requiring emergency treatment. Further investigations in the field will enable researchers to develop procedures for psychological and pedagogical support of children belonging to the group.