Publication
Exploring how 'wish-granting' interventions foster wellbeing for children with life-threatening health conditions and their families: A qualitative study
Heath G, Screti C, Knibb R · J Child Health Care · 2025
Wish-granting is a form of positive psychological intervention that seeks to promote child wellbeing by fulfilling a wish of their choice. This study aimed to explore families' experiences of receiving wish-granting interventions to understand how wishes impact wellbeing. Fifty in-depth semi-structured interviews were carried out with 22 families (23 parents, 17 young people); seven charity volunteers; and five health professionals, recruited from the United Kingdom. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic framework approach. Findings suggest wishes improve wellbeing by increasing positive emotion; by broadening families' horizons; by providing an alternative focus; and by fostering opportunities for togetherness. To grow and maintain impact, consideration should be given to developing strategies that increase anticipation; keep wish memories alive; encourage children to make wishes that stretch their perceived limitations; and facilitate families to share their experiences and 'give back' to the community.
Synced from the TRENDS in Pediatric Palliative Care Zotero library, curated by The Siden Research Team. ICPCN does not host or verify the full text.