AN ANALYSIS OF A BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION FOR CHILDREN UNDERGOING VENIPUNCTURE

An examination of factors was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the distraction component of a behavioral intervention (use of a p arty blower). In one condition, parents were instructed to coach child ren in the use of a party blower and to praise child cooperation. In a second condition, nurses were instructed to assist parents in coachin g the child. Parents used the coaching skills they learned and got the ir children to use the distraction technique. Use of the distraction t echnique was associated with less crying. Encouragement from a health care professional and intervention early in the procedure did not enha nce the intervention's effectiveness. Older children and children who were less distressed during the initial phase of the procedure were le ss likely to reject the intervention.