Growing Up with a Chronic Disease

Christine Eiser is Director of the Child and Family Research Group at the University of Sheffield, where her research interests include quality of life issues for children and families associated with chronic physical problems.

• Preface and Overview. 1. Chronic Disease: The Nature of the Challenge. 2. Chronic Disease in Infancy. 3. The Importance of School for Normal Development. 4. 'Storm and Stress': The Impact of Chronic Disease During Adolescence. 5. Concepts of Stress and Coping. 6. Mothers and Fathers. 7. Impact of Chronic Disease on Parents and Their Relationships with Their Children. 8. Consequences of Parenting Styles for Childrens' Adjustment to Treatment. 9. The Impact of Chronic Disease on Sibling Relationships. 10. Towards a Comprehensive System of Care for Children with Chronic Disease.

Christine Eiser's well researched message is that compliance and prognosis can both improve when those growing up with a chronic disease feel better understood. By such improved interaction, both the carers and the cared for are significantly more likely to exchange sinking hearts for lifted spirits.