PREPARING CHILDREN WITH CONGENITAL HEART-DISEASE FOR CARDIAC-SURGERY

Compared the effects of two methods of preparing children for cardiac surgery, Forty-eight child-caregiver dyads were assigned to a treatmen t group, receiving information and coping skills training, or a contro l group, receiving information as routinely provided, Treatment group children were more cooperative and less upset in the hospital; better adjusted at home after discharge; higher functioning in school; and th eir functional health status improved faster, Treatment group caregive rs expressed greater confidence in their ability to care for their chi ldren in hospital and at home after discharge. Results are discussed i n terms of the cognitive appraisal model of stress coping using a mult idimensional assessment of treatment effects.