Applying the Transactional Stress and Coping Model to Sickle Cell Disorder and Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus: Identifying Psychosocial Variables Related to Adjustment and Intervention

Abstract

This review paper examines the literature on psychosocial factors associated with adjustment to sickle cell disease and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in children through the framework of the transactional stress and coping (TSC) model. The transactional stress and coping model views adaptation to a childhood chronic illness as mediated by several psychosocial factors. This review examines the utility of the model in explaining adjustment in two different childhood diseases, identifies needed research and intervention targets, as well as highlights potential changes to the model. The major conclusions of this review suggest that, in addition to child-specific factors, family functioning is an area that interventions should address in sickle cell disease and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

A longitudinal examination of the parent–child distress relationship in children with juvenile rheumatic disease.

“…Consistent with hypotheses and existing literature demonstrating transactional parent-child distress relations (e.g., Chaney et al, 1997;Hocking & Lochman, 2005;Kazak, Kassam-Adams, Schneider, Zelikovsky, Alderfer, & Rourke, 2006;Mullins & Chaney, 2001;Thompson, et al, 1999;Thompson, et al, 1994;Thompson & Gustafson, 1996;Wagner, et al, 2003;White et al, 2005), partial correlations revealed significant cross-sectional parent-child distress associations at both time points. In addition, results revealed a significant longitudinal association between T1 parent distress and T2 child distress, although there was a nonsignificant association between T1 child distress and T2 parent distress.…”

“…Studies have repeatedly demonstrated the transaction between child and parent distress in predicting illness-related outcomes (e.g., Hocking & Lochman, 2005;Thompson et al, 1993;Thompson et al, 1999;White et al, 2005). For instance, in a sample of children with spina bifida, Holmbeck and colleagues (2002) found that elevated levels of parental overprotection were significantly related to less autonomy and more externalizing behavior problems in their children.…”

“…Inclusion of both measures is theoretically important because physicianrated disease severity, although objective, has been shown to be less predictive of parent distress compared to parent perceptions of their child's illness severity (e.g., Hocking & Lochman, 2005;Thompson et al, 1993;Thompson et al, 1999;White et al, 2005).…”

Chronic Childhood Stress: Psychometric Properties of the Chronic Stress Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (CSQ-CA) in Three Independent Samples

“…Stress is an important determinant for child and adolescent quality of life, psychological functioning and health problems on the long term (Hocking and Lochman 2005;Pedersen and Revenson 2005;Sieh et al 2014). With respect to the concept of stress, it is important to make distinctions about the properties of the stressor, coping with the stressor and the feelings of being stressed, and temporary or chronic stress.…”

Life balance in adult healthy siblings of individuals with childhood cancer.

“…Whenever these transactions cause one to perceive a discrepancy between what the situation demands and the resources available to help to cope with those demands, individuals may experience stress (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984;Hocking & Lochman, 2005). An example of a coping resource that can help individuals deal with situational demands is social support (Pearlin, Menaghan, Lieberman, & Mullan, 1981;Thoits, 1986).…”