Mothers of children evaluated for transplantation: stress, coping resources, and perceptions of family functioning.

The stress, coping resources, and family functioning of 36 mothers of children awaiting transplantation were evaluated. Using standardized assessment techniques, we found that, overall, 20% of mothers reported clinically elevated stress responses and that parenting stress was higher for mothers of children evaluated for solid organ transplantation (vs. bone marrow transplantation). Coping strategies characterized by maintenance of personal and family stability were strongly associated with lower levels of parenting stress. Findings also showed significant disruption in family planning and activities, as well as a strong association between lower socioeconomic status and higher parenting stress. There is a need for the longitudinal assessment of parental and family functioning throughout the transplantation process as well as for interventions designed to reduce parenting distress.