A meta-analysis of studies on psychological preparation of children facing medical procedures

Abstract

The results of a meta-analysis of 75 controlled intervention studies between 1953 and 1985 concerning psychological preparation of children facing medical procedures are analyzed. Both the subject matter and methodological characteristics of the studies were subjected to multiple coding procedures. 125 controlled comparisons were carried out in the 75 studies. and 916 individual effect sue scores were calculated. The overall effect size was found to be 0.44. The effectiveness of modeling techniques, which were wed most frequently. was below average. With regard to coping-modeling films, systematic desensitization and cognitive-behavioral packages, the effect of psychological preparation is dependent in large pan on the methodological quality of the control strategy. Very few evaluations have been made of interventions with children considered to be at risk for psychological stress. Preparation r measures can attain higher effect rue scores when they are undertaken in conjunction with major medical operations. series of treatments or children in poor health. With regard to the validity of the studies analyzed, no relationship could be found with the effect size scores. In general, the poor level of documentation of the reported research findings is criticized.