What did Lehman (1975) find about children whose parents roomed in with them during hospitalization?

Lehman’s 1975 study focused on the impact of parental presence during hospitalization on children’s emotional and behavioral outcomes. The research findings indicated that children whose parents roomed in with them during their hospital stay showed greater emotional security. This is primarily because having a parent close by provides a sense of safety and comfort, reducing anxiety and fear associated with hospitalization.

Children benefit from the presence of their parents in a hospital setting as it helps to maintain a sense of normalcy and emotional support. This can result in a more positive adaptation to the stressful environment of a hospital. In contrast, children who are separated from their parents may experience heightened levels of stress and anxiety, which can manifest in various behaviors, potentially leading to increased aggression or acting out due to the loss of familiar comfort.

The conclusion from Lehman's research emphasizes the importance of parental involvement and the supportive role it plays in children's well-being during challenging medical experiences.