Coping strategies of children treated for leukemia in China.

PURPOSE: To describe the coping strategies and preferred coping style of Chinese children with leukemia during hospitalization.

METHODS: In-depth interview with a semi-structured interview were conducted with 29 Chinese children who underwent leukemia treatment. The Kippendorf's content analysis method was used to data analysis.

RESULTS: During the hospitalization, children had three ways of psychological adjustment: Self-regulation, assistance of health professionals, helping of parents. There were many coping strategies. Problem-focused coping included seeking information and problem solving, and emotion-focused coping included seek emotional support, self-control, acceptance, seeking other rewards.

CONCLUSIONS: Children use different coping styles consistent with their cognitive development stage, and Chinese traditional culture affects children's coping strategies.