When assessing parents coping with a newly diagnosed chronic illness in their child, which reaction is considered positive?

• A. Endowing the illness with meaning
• B. Refusing to believe the child is ill
• C. Entertaining an unrealistic future plan for the child
• D. Placing complete faith in religion to relinquish own responsibility.

Answer: (A)

Positive coping in parents facing a child’s newly diagnosed chronic illness involves integrating the illness into family life and finding meaning in the experience. Endowing the illness with meaning helps parents make sense of what happened, stay engaged in caregiving, and maintain hope while adapting routines to meet the child’s needs. Denial blocks essential medical follow-up and adjustment. Unrealistic future plans rely on wishful thinking rather than addressing current realities. Relying entirely on religion to relinquish responsibility neglects active caregiving and practical problem-solving. So, finding meaning in the illness is the most constructive, positive reaction.