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The Effect of Bibliotherapy on Hopelessness in Elementary School Children with Chronic Illnesses
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Sima Zeinali   , Akram Sadat Sadat Hoseini * , Shima Haghani |
| Tehran University of Medical Sciences , ashoseini@tums.ac.ir |
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Abstract: (11 Views) |
Background: Chronic illnesses in school-aged children are associated with numerous psychological challenges, among which hopelessness represents a prominent and common problem that can adversely affect psychological adjustment, motivation, and quality of life. Hopelessness in these children often arises from the long-term nature of the illness, functional limitations, and repeated treatment experiences. In this context, bibliotherapy, as a psychological, non-invasive intervention grounded in cognitive–emotional engagement, may be effective in reducing hopelessness and improving the psychological well-being of children with chronic illnesses.
Methods: The present study was an experimental pretest–posttest design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of 90 children aged 8 to 12 years with chronic illnesses (diabetes, asthma, nephrotic syndrome, thalassemia, and cystic fibrosis), who were allocated using block randomization into three groups of 30 participants each: targeted bibliotherapy, free-choice bibliotherapy, and a control group. The intervention comprised 10 bibliotherapy sessions conducted over five weeks. Data were collected using the Kazdin Children’s Hopelessness Scale. The data were analyzed using paired t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey’s post hoc test.
Results: Findings showed a significant reduction in hopelessness scores after the intervention in both bibliotherapy groups (p < 0.001), with the greatest improvement observed in the targeted bibliotherapy group. The control group showed no significant change.
Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrated that bibliotherapy led to a significant reduction in hopelessness among children with chronic illnesses, and targeted bibliotherapy showed greater effectiveness compared to free-choice bibliotherapy. These results suggest that bibliotherapy, particularly when delivered through structured and targeted programs, can serve as an effective complementary psychological intervention alongside medical treatments to improve the psychological status of children with chronic illnesses. |
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| Keywords: Bibliotherapy, Hopelessness, Elementary School Children, Chronic Illness, Mental Health, Non-Pharmacological Intervention |
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Type of Study: Pediatric and Neonatal Nursing |
Subject:
nursing
Received: 2025/10/23 | Accepted: 2026/10/10 | Published: 2026/10/2
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