This study examined two methods of preparing children aged 3 to 7 years for hospitalization. One method was a preadmission home contact by a nurse. The second was a filmed modeling sequence shown on admission. The effectiveness of each condition in reducing anxiety in the children and mothers was examined separately and in combination. One group of children experienced neither preparatory method. All children were undergoing elective tonsillectomies.The children's adjustment to the hospital was measured on three occasions via a self-report measure of anxiety, electromyographic measures of muscular tension, and ratings of behavioral upset. Posthospital adjustment was assessed with Vernon et al's Post-Hospital Behavior Inventory. An assessment of maternal anxiety was obtained twice via a self-report measure of anxiety. Maternal satisfaction with care and information was also obtained.The results indicate that a preadmission visit contributes to the lessening of maternal anxiety during and after the child's hospitalization. A preadmission visit was also associated with reduction in the incidence of negative posthospital behavior particularly with the 6- and 7-year-olds. Mothers who were preadmitted expressed significantly greater satisfaction with the care and information they and their children received.Viewing a peer modeling film was associated with a decrease in the children's hospital-specific physiologic anxiety response at the preoperative measure. In addition, children who viewed a peer modeling film displayed a significantly lowered incidence of undesirable posthospital behavior.
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