Assessing Child Life Programs: Study Model With a Small Number of Subjects

Abstract

A child life program was found to be effective in reducing anxiety and enhancing the self-esteem of a small number (N = 5) of long-term pediatric patients. In contrast, the anxiety of a group of control subjects (N = 5) increased from pretest to posttest whereas their self-esteem remained stable. A moderately significant difference in anxiety level was noted between groups at posttest. The program received exceptionally high ratings from the experimental group subjects, their mothers, and head nurses. The study serves as a model for the evaluation of child life and related nonmedical therapeutic programs. Suggestions for future applied research are made.

The Role of Child Life in Pediatric Pain Management: A Survey of Child Life Specialists

“…Within the hospital setting, the goal of child life specialists is to promote positive development of both individual children and their collective families, as well as to reduce the overall stress and anxiety associated with pediatric hospitalization. 5,8 Although the primary goal of child life specialists is to reduce the impact of stressful or anxiety-provoking occurrences, 1,3,17,20,26 past research suggests they also play an important role in the preparation for painful medical procedures. 8, 17,22 Although most often utilized within the inpatient pediatric setting, child life specialists are also commonly called to assist in the emergency department.…”

Hospitalized children's mood differences during play and music therapy

“…Gariepy and Howe (2003) demonstrated significant positive associations between reports of 'being happy' and the amount of play for children with leukaemia. This body of research pointed to a need in paediatric settings for play therapy, so Child Life programmes emerged and grew to aid in children's psychological and social adjustment (Carlson et al 1985). Child Life is based on a model that emphasizes normalization and social interaction as healthy coping mechanisms (Siarkowski Amer 1999).…”