Assessing child life programs: study model with a small number of subjects.

A child life program was found to be effective in reducing anxiety and enhancing the self-esteem of a small number (N = 5) of long-term pediatric patients. In contrast, the anxiety of a group of control subjects (N = 5) increased from pretest to posttest whereas their self-esteem remained stable. A moderately significant difference in anxiety level was noted between groups at posttest. The program received exceptionally high ratings from the experimental group subjects, their mothers, and head nurses. The study serves as a model for the evaluation of child life and related nonmedical therapeutic programs. Suggestions for future applied research are made.