The best characterization of the concerns of seriously ill children ages five to nine is the discomforting effects of disease and treatments. At this developmental stage, children begin to better comprehend their illness but may not have a complete understanding of all medical terminology. They often experience physical discomfort from their condition and the treatments administered to address it, such as pain, fatigue, and nausea.
Children in this age range are also emotionally affected by the physical sensations they encounter, and these discomforts can dominate their experience of illness. The implications of treatment, including side effects and hospital stays, significantly impact their daily lives, frequently making physical discomfort a primary concern.
Other concerns, such as fear of being alone or curiosity about death, may exist as well, but they often take a backseat to the immediate and tangible impacts of their illness and the associated treatments.