This study investigated the impact of a chronic disease and a pediatric liver transplant on the child's emotional development. Six mothers and theirs transplanted sons/daughters (ages ranging from 4 to 8 years old) participated in the study. All mothers were interviewed and the children answered the Fables Test. The analyses revealed dependent-independent conflicts, difficulty in acquiring autonomy and independence with a pattern of regressive behavior and low tolerance to frustration. The Fables Test reveled insecurity, impotence, loneliness, death and privation fantasies. The results have indicated the importance of an early psychological and systematic follow-up to the child and his/her family, which will assist them in their process of growing, becoming independent and autonomous.
child liver transplantation; child development; chronic disease; psychology
