J Korean Acad Nurs.  2015 Dec;45(6):890-899. 10.4040/jkan.2015.45.6.890.

Factors Influencing Posttraumatic Growth in Fathers of Chronically ill Children

• Kim MY

• KMID: 2363112
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2015.45.6.890

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify the level of distress and posttraumatic growth in fathers of chronically ill children and also, to identify the relation between characteristics of the fathers and children and their posttraumatic growth and to investigate factors that influence posttraumatic growth.
METHODS
In this study, 48 fathers who visited a university hospital in Seoul, Korea and who gave written consent completed the questionnaire between September 23 and November 19, 2013. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression.
RESULTS
The level of distress in fathers of chronically ill children was relatively high and the majority of them were experiencing posttraumatic growth. Models including the variable (deliberate rumination, religiousness, optimism) explained 64.3% (F=26.38, p <.001) of the variance for posttraumatic growth. Deliberate rumination (beta=.59, p <.001) was the most influential factor.
CONCLUSION
The findings demonstrate that it is essential for nurses to intervene and facilitate continuously so as to promote posttraumatic growth and relieve distress in fathers of chronically ill children. Furthermore, it is also necessary for nurses to find ways to develop ideal interventions to activate deliberate rumination and offer spiritual care and help maintain optimism in these individuals.

Keyword

Chronic disease; Fathers; Growth; Rumination; Religion

MeSH Terms

*Adaptation, Psychological
Adult
Child
Chronic Disease
Fathers/*psychology
Female
Hospitals, University
Humans
Leukemia/pathology
Male
Neoplasms/pathology
Optimism
Regression Analysis
Social Support
Surveys and Questionnaires

Figure

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  Figure 1. A Theoretical Model of Posttraumatic Growth Model by Calhoun & Tedeschi (2006).

Reference

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