Written By: Jacqueline Graham, Kira Wallace, and Kaicee Beal (Students of Westminster College)
For a long time there was a common misconception that infants, and children are insensitive to pain, aren’t as emotionally affected by pain, and don’t have a standard way to measure pain (Granau & Aquan-Assee, 1988). Pain is subjective and most researchers agree that, among other factors, parent and staff behaviors as well as the child’s developmental level, impact the intensity of which pain is experienced (Kazak & Kunin-Batson, 2001). Starting in the 1980’s crying, facial expressions, and other behavioral cues have begun to be used to study an infant’s and child’s pain, and understand the different levels of it (Granau & Aquan-Assee, 1988).
It’s no surprise that kids want the comfort of their parents nearby when in pain, however, many natural instincts that parents have can often exacerbate the pain and distress of the child. Empathetic and reassurance statements draw children’s attention to the painful aspects of the procedure (Spagrud et al., 2008). Statements such as, “It’ll be alright”, “I know it’s hard”, “We’ll get you a treat after this”, and “Stop crying, it’s not that bad” can often have negative effects on the child.
An optimal way to respond to your child’s pain might include different methods of coping. Such coping mechanisms could include:
1) Distraction
a) Guided imagery, which can translate a painful experience into a narrative that’s less aversive.
b) Breathing techniques
c) Changing the subject to something positive
2) Progressive muscle relaxation
3) Comforting touch
Many parents don’t understand how they’re behavior directly influences their child’s pain level. Increasing awareness of what is affective and ineffective when dealing with a child’s pain, can significantly improve both physical and psychological outcomes associated with pain.
Resources
Craig KD, Grunau RVE, Aquan-assee J. Judgment of pain in newborns: facial action and cry as determinants. Can J Behavorial Sci.1988;20:442–451
Kazak, A. E., & Kunin-Batson, A., (2001). Psychological and integrative interventions in pediatric procedural pain. Acute and Procedure Pain in Infants and Children: Progress in Pain Research and Management, 20(1), 77-100.
Spagrud, L. J., Baeyer, C. L.V., Ali, L., Mpofu, C., Fennell, L. P., Friesen, K., & Mitchell, J., (2008). Pain, distress, and adult-child interaction during venipuncture in pediatric oncology: An examination of three types of venous access. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 36(2), 173-184.