Psychological preparation of mothers of preschool children undergoing cardiac catheterization

Three methods of preparing mothers for the hospitalization of their preschool age children scheduled for cardiac catheterization were compared. Fifty mothers participated in varying combinations of education and hospital orientation, stress management training, and brief supportive psychotherapy. This design allowed for the measurement of both individual and cumulative effects. Behavioral responses of children and their mothers and self-reports of mothers were measured. Mothers who received stress management training and their children evidenced significantly more adaptive behaviors at key stress points and these children adapted more positively at home following the catheterization. Mothers who received education and hospital orientation reported significantly less anxiety and tension and expressed greater competence in caring for their children. Possible explanations for these results are discussed.