Reactions of adolescents following hospitalization for acute conditions.

Examination of the behaviors of 85 hospitalized adolescents during a 28-day summer period following discharge from two acute care hospitals was undertaken. A control group of 63 nonhospitalized adolescents was used. Self-esteem and body attitude measures were administered at 3 and 28 days following discharge, and parents provided information on adolescent in-home behavior. Positive self-esteem, body attitude scores, and personal comments of hospitalized adolescents suggest aspects of psychological benefit from short-term hospitalization.