Today, more than ever before, the problem of chronic illness is no longer a concern limited to the family setting. Systematic studies conducted over time continue to project how caring for a child with chronic illness can be both emotionally and physically challenging if proper procedures and strategies are not followed. In this particular study, however, the researchers have come up with a body of information that could be of critical assistance in the process of aiding parents and children to adapt and be proactive in facing the challenges posed by childhood chronic illnesses. To say the least, this study can easily pass the test of inclusivity since its design, which is qualitative, aptly allows the evaluation of data from both categorical and non-categorical approaches.
It is indeed safe to support the fact that the conclusions of this particular study smoothly and logically flow from the results presented. From the way the presentation is made, it is clear to any critic that the concluding portion of this paper has been effectively used to expound on the findings, including giving them some theoretical backing through incorporating what other previous studies found out regarding the family’s adaptability to childhood chronic illnesses. In addition, the conclusions have been structured in a way that logically supports the structure of the results since, by design; the study has to look at both parental reports and children’s perceptions.
The results of the study definitely, and with much accuracy, predict the conclusions alluded to in the article. This reveals that all the variables, including the psychosocial, economic, educational, psychological factors, among others, had been well taken care of before commencement of study in terms of conceptualization. For the results to be able to predict the conclusions as is the case in this particular paper, it means that the researchers had also done good work while developing their data gathering tools, specifically focus group discussions and individual interviews. It is only through the development of valid and objective data collection tools that the predictability of conclusions can be achieved, and the study findings can be generalized across the population.
Many researchers are in a constant state of worry that their studies may be invalidated by the disharmony between methodologies, designs, results, conclusions, among others. The chances of the research findings predicting another set of conclusions, however, becomes minimal when appropriate research questions, hypotheses, and research design are formulated. The researchers in this particular study appear to have done their homework well regarding the above factors, and as such, the findings largely predicted the conclusions expected about the objectives and research questions set for the study.
In the light of the above, the findings and conclusions for this particular study seem valid since all procedures, including the methodology, sample size, how the study population was identified, and data analysis procedures, have been spelled out. The study, indeed, has been able to reinforce the findings of previous studies, mostly about the parent’s adaptations to childhood chronic illnesses. It has come up with new knowledge on how the children themselves adapt to their afflictions. The conclusions, it seems, have been validated by the rigorous procedures used, and as such, the information can be generalized to others faced with similar challenges.
The study conclusions are accurate and comprehensive in summarizing the research question. First, the study was seeking a deeper comprehension of the factors and influences that enhance good adaptation to childhood chronic diseases among family members, and specifically among parents and the affected child (Gannoni & Shote, 2009). According to the researchers, the single-informant approaches were no longer working since they were limited in scope for overly relying on maternal reports at the expense of victims’ perceptions and views about the illnesses afflicting them. With this in mind, the researchers undertook to ask for views and perceptions of children suffering from chronic diseases, as well as their parents. The structuring of the study also made it possible for the researchers to identify non-disease-specific influences as well as disease-specific influences on adaptation to childhood chronic illnesses. The conclusions offered accurately summarize the above through the vivid presentation of facts, not holistically, but according to set groups and stated influences. This, of course, is a big plus for the research process.
The conclusions utilized have huge social and clinical ramifications. First, the knowledge gained could be used to control the range of anxieties, including feelings of sadness, confusion, numbness, anger, guilt, among others, expressed by both the parents and victims. The themes and sub-themes identified can be used to effectively manage the situation in a social as well as a clinical setting. For instance, the impact of illness on lifestyle can be used effectively to manage issues of dietary restrictions, hospital visits, and finances, among others (Gannoni & Shote, 2009).
The conclusions expressed in the study can also be used to improve communication channels between parents and sick children, and also between sick children and their peers at school. The biggest benefit, however, comes in the knowledge that these conclusions can be utilized to ensure the affected children lead a positive and fruitful life. For example, it has been revealed that activities such as camping, incorporating children with the same type of illnesses, help to boost their self-esteem and worth. These and other protective factors greatly assist the child to adapt positively to his or her condition and hence aid personal growth (Gannoni & Shote, 2009).
Reference List
Gannoni, A. F., & Shote, R.H. (2009). Parental and child perspectives on adaptation to childhood chronic illness: A qualitative study. Clinical Child Psychology & Psychiatry, Vol. 15, Issue 1