Causal and Control Cognitions in Parents' Coping With Chronically Ill Children

This study examined cognitive adaptations in a sample of 34 mothers of children with insulin-dependent diabetes. Mothers reported their causal attributions for the illness and their belief that symptom control is a function of regimen adherence. They were also asked whether they had answered the question “Why me?” and whether the illness held any benefits or gains. Treating clinicians rated parents' adaptation, and symptom severity was measured from parents estimates and biological/clinical indicators. Major findings were that (1) mothers who attributed the illness to environmental causes were rated as adapting more successfully, and (2) mothers who rated their children's symptoms as more severe were more likely to attribute the illness to their own behavior and also reported more illness attribution. These findings are discussed in the context of studies of coping with other life stresses.