Abstract:
Objective: Chronically ill children suffering from bronchial asthma and IDDM (Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus) were compared with each other and with healthy peers concerning their body image. Furthermore, the impact of disease severity on their body image was examined. The aim of this study was to find new aspects concerning the way the children cope with their disease and to find new perspectives for the therapy of chronically ill children.
Methods: 151 children suffering from bronchial asthma and 142 children suffering from IDDM (8 to 12 year olds) were examined. Body image and other psychological variables were assessed using different tests. The parents were interviewed about behaviour problems of their children, disease severity and metabolic adjustment were assessed by the physician in charge, applying objective clinical parameters.
Results: A significant difference between chronically ill children and healthy peers was found with regard to their body perception, as both groups of ill children showed different reaction patterns. In the group of asthmatic children body image was connected to disease severity. In the group of diabetic children age had a strong influence on the results of the study.
Discussion: In this study body image has been shown to be a relevant factor. Both asthmatic and diabetic children showed disease-specific differences and coping mechanisms, which occurred as a reaction to the specific stress-factors existing within each group. In this context the function of denying coping strategies of asthmatic children and of strong adaptation efforts of diabetic children was examined and discussed.