RESUMEN
Smith and Lazarus's 1990 and 1993 theory of cognition-emotion associations guided this exploration of individuals' pre-exam experiences. The study also tested the model's integrity during a stressful event and examined its downward extension to children. A total of 47 girls ages 8 to 14 (M = 11.57, SD = 2.14) and 109 adult guardians of female patients (all ages) completed a brief questionnaire about their pre-exam thoughts and feelings. The majority of participants viewed the impending exam as important and desirable, reported optimism and confidence in their ability to cope or adjust, and described mild-moderate anxiety as well as moderate-high hope/gladness. The majority of adults also reported relatively high levels of sadness. Data supported the model's cognition-emotion associations. This theory-driven research offers a richer understanding of children who may have been sexually abused and their supportive adult guardians and encourages more positive and realistic expectations for these individuals.
Asunto(s)
Afecto , Ansiedad/psicología , Actitud Frente a la Salud , Abuso Sexual Infantil/diagnóstico , Abuso Sexual Infantil/psicología , Medicina Legal , Modelos Psicológicos , Examen Físico/psicología , Psicología del Adolescente , Psicología Infantil , Estrés Psicológico/psicología , Adaptación Psicológica , Adolescente , Ansiedad/etiología , Niño , Cognición , Emociones , Femenino , Humanos , Moral , Estudios Prospectivos , Autoeficacia , Estrés Psicológico/etiología , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
PROBLEM: This study profiled children's and adult guardians' pediatric anogenital exam worries. METHODS: Forty-seven girls (mean = 11.57, SD = 2.14) and their guardians rated their anticipatory exam worries in a pediatric clinic setting. RESULTS: A substantial minority of children reported elevated concern about their lack of exam knowledge, the staff's unfamiliarity, someone inspecting their private parts, and their health. Most adults reported elevated concern about their lack of exam knowledge and their children's health. A substantial minority of adults also reported elevated concern about their children's distress and the exam's potential painfulness. Child's age but not prior exam experience was correlated with some of these concerns. CONCLUSIONS: Participants approached the exam with specific concerns. These data may inform interventions aimed at minimizing distress and facilitating adjustment.
