Parental Support in the Development of Health-Related Skills in Adolescents with Chronic Illness

Advances in medical care and treatment options have extended the life expectancy of millions of youths with chronic conditions. These changes in prognosis have led many teens to not only survive but also thrive in adulthood. However, less is known about how parents and youth prepare for adulthood, or about the beliefs they have around becoming an adult with a chronic condition. What are parents thinking about as they teach their children to manage their condition? Findings from a mixed-method study are used to explore the unique beliefs and behaviors of parents raising a child with a chronic condition in greater depth. Understanding the beliefs, worries, and behaviors of parents has major implications for those providing care to them. This book provides healthcare professionals with a more nuanced way to think about what families are doing in order to provide more effective resources and support to those families.