What is a common emotional response in school-age children experiencing prolonged hospitalization?

Prolonged hospitalization in school-age children can evoke a variety of emotional responses due to separation from their familiar environments, routines, and loved ones. One of the most common emotional responses is fear of abandonment. School-age children are at a stage where close relationships with caregivers are crucial for their emotional security. When they find themselves in an unfamiliar hospital setting, feeling vulnerable and isolated, they may worry that their parents or caregivers will leave them, leading to anxiety and sadness about their situation.

This fear can stem from their developmental understanding of being away from home and their loved ones, which can be particularly distressing. Children in this age group often interpret separation from their primary caregivers as a potential for being abandoned or neglected, making it essential for healthcare providers and caregivers to offer reassurance and maintain connection through consistent visits and communication.

In contrast, while curiosity about their condition might occur, it typically does not evoke the same intense emotional distress. Excitement to participate in activities is more likely to be overshadowed by their feelings of fear and uncertainty. Indifference towards healthcare providers also represents a defensive mechanism some children might adopt but does not capture the emotional complexity of their experience during prolonged hospitalization. Thus, the fear of abandonment stands out as the most prevalent emotional response for these