The work of worrying in children undergoing surgery

Abstract

This study examined the relationship involving children's level of anxiety, defensiveness, and play patterns 1 week prior to, during, and 1 week after hospitalization for minor surgery. A 7-month follow-up was also conducted in order to assess the children's recall for hospital events and coping style. The results suggested that two classes of children could be identified. The children in one group distinguished themselves in terms of their disposition to engage in the "work of worrying" (i.e., were low defensive prior to hospitalization, actively played with stress-related toys prior to hospitalization, and reported minimal distress and anxiety following surgery). Those in the second group were highly defensive, avoided playing with stress-related toys, and reported most anxiety following surgery. The parallel between children and adults patterns of dealing with surgery was considered in terms of Janis's (1978) model of coping with psychological stress.