Content analysis of 186 descriptive case studies of hospitalized children.

One hundred eighty-six single case studies of sick infants, children, and adolescents were analyzed to provide a substantial descriptive data base of children's responses to illness, hospitalization, and treatment over a span of more than 20 years. Units of theory of coping behavior are identified as a first phase for adding new knowledge to the field of pediatric nursing. Indicators of the significance of the data base are included.