A Study of Children with Ecological Illnesses
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Authors
White, S. Lara Lynne
Issue Date
1987
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Since 1979, clinical ecology has developed as an expansion of the field of allergy: It is an orientation in medical practice that involves the treatment of individuals who are allergic to any number of environmental factors. Experts in the field describe many psychological symptoms attributable to ecological illness. Little research has been done with regard to the impact of ecological illness on child development and psychology. This thesis project is a study of the behavioral and psychological characteristics of latency-age children with ecological illness. The results of the study revealed behavioral, psychological, and social problems the children and their families experienced during the diagnosis and treatment of the children's illnesses, by the report of parents. All of the parents expressed the need for support groups and some sort of psychological counseling or therapy for children and their families during medical treatment. Recommendations included the need for therapeutic intervention paralleled with medical treatment for children with ecological illnesses and their families and were supported by the findings.