RISK RESISTANCE ADAPTATION MODEL FOR PEDIATRIC CHRONIC ILLNESS - SICKLE-CELL SYNDROME AS AN EXAMPLE

A brief discussion of sickle cell syndrome is presented, with particular attention to disease presentation in children and adolescents. This is followed by a discussion of a risk-resistance-adaptation model described by Wallander, Varni, Babani, Banis, and Wilcox (1989). This model is utilized as an organizational framework to review empirical findings relevant to the physical, neurocognitive, and psychosocial functioning of youth in whom sickle cell syndrome has been diagnosed. Based upon this model, attention is paid to individual child variables and social-ecological variables as they impact the child's adaptation to the disease process. A comprehensive evaluation and intervention program for children with pediatric chronic illnesses is recommended that emphasizes those risk and resistance factors specifically associated with effective adaptation to a given disease.