Psychosocial Problems of Children with Chronic Diseases: A Review Focusing on Pediatric Social Work Interventions

Abstract

Long-term treatment of chronic disease causes many physical, social, and emotional problems for children enduring such treatment. Low self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy and decrease in self-confidence become prominent experienced physical problems. Among emotional problems, sentiments of fear, anxiety, sadness, and anger are more evident. Social problems are among risks causing problems during interaction with friends, in social activities and at school. It is important to follow a biopsychosocial approach in evaluation of children coping with these problems. Such approach enables a holistic evaluation of difficulties of the family and child suffering from disease. It has been reported that pediatric social work interventions focusing on this approach have an important potential in dealing with psychosocial problems experienced by these children in many aspects such as self-esteem, emotional and behavioral reactions, school and social life, loss of control and lack of knowledge, and the functionality of their families. The purpose of this review is to put forth in the context of literature the importance of