Coping strategies of children treated for leukemia in China

To describe the coping strategies and preferred coping style of Chinese children with leukemia during hospitalization.

In-depth interview with a semi-structured interview were conducted with 29 Chinese children who underwent leukemia treatment. The Kippendorf's content analysis method was used to data analysis.

During the hospitalization, children had three ways of psychological adjustment: Self-regulation, assistance of health professionals, helping of parents. There were many coping strategies. Problem-focused coping included seeking information and problem solving, and emotion-focused coping included seek emotional support, self-control, acceptance, seeking other rewards.

Children use different coping styles consistent with their cognitive development stage, and Chinese traditional culture affects children's coping strategies.