Using Temperament Theory to Individualize the Psychosocial Care of Hospitalized Children

Abstract

Temperament theory is offered as a framework for systematically individualizing the psychosocial care of hospitalized children Empirical research on temperament is cited An application of the theory is illustrated through a presentation of three case studies of children who have cystic fibrosis as their primary diagnosis The discussion of the children demonstrates how their psychosocial responses to hospitalization were related to their temperaments The case studies also show how the hospital environment was adapted to meet the individual child's needs and also how children impact on their caretakers.