Hospitalization affects both body image and perception, as well as the soci
al and family relationships of the child. The resulting psychological distu
rbances may influence the course of the disease and the efficiency of the c
are. A good quality of hospital reception and psychological supportive meas
ures help to make acceptable the unacceptable notions of physical suffering
and disease. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.