Differences in Physical Activity, Depression and Coping Stress Strategies for Children with Chronic Illness

Eriphily Diamantopoulou, & Athanasios Papaioannou

Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences University of Thessaly, Trikala, Hellas

Abstract

Children with chronic illness have many difficulties derived from their situation to confront, that affect their psychological health. This research examined the coping strategies of stress, depression, as well as the level of physical activity of children suffering from asthma, diabetes and cystic fibrosis. 98 children with asthma,62 children with diabetes and 20 children with cystic fibrosis participated and completed related questionnaires, prior to their examination in an outpatient’s clinic. The results showed that, physical activity is posi- tively correlated with the positive approach in coping with stress. Depression was positively related with wishful thinking as an approach of coping with stress. Depression in relation to low social self-esteem, had a negative correlation with the positive approach in coping with stress. Children suffering from cystic fibrosis appeared more depressed facing life situations more passively and seemed to spend more time in physical activity compared to children who had asthma and diabetes. The results indicated that children need a more responsible, overall and effective support, in order to cope with their problems derived from their chronic illness.

Key words: physical activity, depression, coping stress, children, chronic illness, quality of life.