The Manifestations of Social Maladjustment in Children With leukemia at Different Ages: A Descriptive Qualitative Study based on Phenomenology

Abstract Background Leukemia is a pediatric malignancy with the highest incidence rate and large onset age span. Children with leukemia at different ages show various social maladjustments after illness, which are mainly reflected in psychological and behavioral changes. It is of great significance to improve children's social adaptation level and purposefully prevent children from having social adaptation problems. Objective To describe the social adaptation problems faced by Chinese children with leukemia at different ages, and to provide the basis for formulating targeted preventive intervention strategies. Method The purpose sampling method was adopted to conduct semi-structured interviews on 20 Chinese children with leukemia and their main caregivers, and the Colaizzi phenomenological research method in the qualitative research was used to organize and analyze the data. Results The existing social adaptation problems of children with leukemia at different ages were summarized. In terms of psychological maladjustment, children with leukemia aged 2~7 years showed "fear and excessive attachment"; Children with leukemia aged 8-18 years are characterized by "Impatience, irritability and anxiety". In terms of behavioral maladjustment, children with leukemia aged 2~7 years have the problem of "less independent behavior" and "dependence on electronic products"; Children with leukemia aged 8-18 years showed "learning obstruction" and "indulging in mobile games". Conclusions Develop targeted intervention strategies based on the physical and mental characteristics of children with leukemia at different ages to improve their existing social adaptation problems. Pay attention to early intervention in the social adaptation of children with leukemia. Predictably improve the social adaptation level of children to prevent more adaptation problems, so that children can smoothly return to their families and society and improve their quality of life in the long term.