The impact of a wish: Caregiver perceptions of the benefits of granted wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families

Mary Lou Schilling, Pam Sarigiani

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Wish-granting organizations have provided wishes to families of children with serious illnesses for years, yet scant research has examined their benefits. This mixed-method investigation of 682 households explored the benefits of granted wishes to children who are ill, their siblings, and caregivers. MANOVAs indicated the type of wish and diagnosis significantly impacted the emotional and social benefits of the wish. Content analysis further supported wish benefits. Participants stated the wish provided something to look forward to, stress escape, and feelings of normalcy. Results support the utility of wish fulfillment in palliative care.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)16-38
Number of pages23
JournalChildren's Health Care
Volume43
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2 2014

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