Coping Patterns Among Parents of Children with Congenital Heart Disease

Abstract

Parents of children diagnosed with congenital heart disease (CHD) experience a life filled with unique challenges and stressors. One hundred and eighty-one parents of children with CHD completed online survey that consisted of demographic information, the 3 part Coping Health Inventory for Parents (CHIP) scale. Participants also reported on their internet use and the role of spirituality in their life and as well as four open ended questions. Based on findings of the study coping strategies related to maintaining family integration and an optimistic definition were significantly associated with spirituality, while high internet usage was predictive of the coping pattern focused on understanding the medical situation through communication with other parents. Statistical findings were supported by themes in the open ended questions. By being able to recognize factors associated with parental coping the medical and social support community will be able to better facilitate positive coping mechanisms for parents of children with CHD.