Explaining illness to children: Advancing theory and research by determining message content

Numerous scholars have suggested the importance of explaining illness to ch ildren and empirical efforts have been made to determine effective illness explanation strategies. However, the studies have been few and provide litt le advancement of theory and practical advice for health practitioners. Muc h, if not all, of the theory and research in this area focuses on explainin g the etiology and biology of illness to children. This practice, as argued here, may be the central factor inhibiting theory, research, and understan ding of effective illness explanation to children. Specifically, children m ay find this knowledge of little use and may prefer explanations that adher e to psychosocial concerns. As such, suggestions for future research are of fered.