| The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between spirituality and optimism of children who were hospitalized, and to assess for age differences between younger and older children. Thirty participants (15 boys and 15 girls, 7--12 years old) were recruited from an inpatient setting in a children's hospital. Diagnoses of the participants differed greatly between serious and life-threatening illnesses (e.g., cancer) and minor concerns (e.g., abdominal pain). The participants were mostly from a Christian background (93%) due to the demographic make up of the area of recruitment. Participant's completed self-report questionnaires in hospital beds regarding their views of their spirituality and optimism. Findings indicated that higher levels of spirituality were associated with higher levels of optimism. In addition, no differences on levels of spirituality were found between younger children (7--9) and older children (10--12). Interventions focused on spirituality, when appropriate, are likely to enhance health outcomes for children. |
