Hope and Pediatric Illness
- Author(s)
- Katz, NT; Heywood, M; Meyer, EC;
- Journal Title
- In: Scioli, A., van den Heuvel, S. C. (eds) The Oxford Compendium of Hope
- Publication Type
- Book section
- Abstract
- Hope is a source of comfort and strength for families who face serious childhood illness. Multiple hopes, including those that are seemingly contradictory, can coexist at any given time. For example, parents can hope for their child to be cured of their illness and at the same time, hope for a dignified death free from pain should a cure not be possible. In addition, the nature and subject of hope is dynamic and can shift over the course of an illness. Hope is associated with improved coping and quality of life, and parents of children with serious illness are fearful of being without hope. This chapter will explore the role and benefits of hope for families, particularly parents, facing serious childhood illness and the role that clinicians have in understanding, exploring, and nurturing hope in such situations.
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Department(s)
- Palliative Care
- Publisher's Version
- https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780197618240.003.0029
- Terms of Use/Rights Notice
- Refer to copyright notice on published article.
Creation Date: 2026-06-16 12:05:22
Last Modified: 2026-06-16 12:05:36