By Sixtine Tabard - Reading time 4 minsEmotional well-being goes beyond the absence of mental illness. It reflects a dynamic state of inner balance, resilience and a positive emotional state. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being. You can find the precise definition on the official WHO-website.
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), “Good Health and Well-Being,” supports the view of the WHO. It highlights emotional health as essential to overall human development. Emotional well-being must be recognized as a core aspect of healing and long-term recovery. This is especially true when it comes to caring for children.
The role of emotional well-being in pediatric care is therefore not optional. It’s foundational to support the physical, psychological, and social recovery of young patients.
Emotional distress in critically ill children: what the research shows
Numerous studies have found that children facing serious medical diagnoses often experience high levels of emotional distress. Anxiety, depression, and trauma are common among young patients who face uncertain futures, frequent hospitalizations and social isolation.
Research suggests that up to 80% of children with life-threatening conditions show signs of emotional and behavioral challenges. These psychological symptoms can interfere with treatment adherence, prolong hospital stays, and negatively impact overall outcomes. These findings are documented in Principles and Practice of Pediatric Oncology, which is considered an important resource for clinicians and researchers in the medical field.
Why emotional support is essential in pediatric care settings
The value of emotional support in pediatric environments cannot be overstated. Emotional care, whether through structured therapy, play or family presence, has been shown to increase treatment compliance and reduces perceived pain. The role of emotional well-being in pediatric care for children with critical illnesses is widely recognized as a crucial element of providing complete and compassionate treatment
Simple interventions can significantly ease a child’s burden. Examples include the presence of comforting toys, which offer a sense of security. Regular contact with loved ones is important as well because it reduces feelings of isolation.
Interaction with therapy animals plays a meaningful role in lowering stress levels and gently uplifting a child’s mood. This is because animal-assisted activities can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and relaxation. It also provides nonjudgmental companionship that eases anxiety and fosters emotional comfort.
Wish experiences and emotional well-being: evidence from Make-A-Wish®
Make-A-Wish offers compelling evidence of the emotional benefits tied to granting wishes for children with severe illnesses. Every 25 seconds, a child is diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition and becomes eligible froma wish. Make-A-Wish helps these children rediscover joy and hope through personalized wish experiences.
According to recent global surveys, 98% of wish families believe that wish experiences are crucial for children facing serious illnesses. These wishes improve mental well-being, create lasting positive memories, and provide much-needed relief from daily medical routines.
92% of wish children report a noticeable improvement in their overall well-being, while 90% say their wish journey helped them look ahead with renewed hope and optimism. The approach of Make a Wish is rooted in positive psychology. Our organization embraces anticipation, joy, and family connection as powerful elements that foster emotional renewal and strengthen a child’s sense of hope and resilience.
The long-term benefits of emotional care: impact on recovery and resilience
Emotional support in pediatric settings is not just about short-term comfort. Evidence shows that children who receive consistent emotional care demonstrate better recovery rates, and greater resilience in the face of medical adversity.
Long-term outcomes include improved psychosocial development, enhanced social interaction, and lower instances of chronic psychological issues later in life. The impact of granted wishes will help. The empowerment from positive emotional experiences helps children reclaim a sense of normalcy and identity beyond their diagnosis.
Integrating emotional well-being into standard pediatric treatment plans
If we want children to heal completely, we need to look beyond medicine. The role of emotional well-being in pediatric care for children with critical illnesses is central to this shift. It emphasizes the need to care for both the body and the mind. Bringing this vision to life means embedding play therapists, child-life specialists, and family-centered care into the heart of pediatric treatment.
Organizations like Make-A-Wish offer essential partnerships in this model, providing tools and frameworks that are proven to uplift and heal emotionally. By doing so, we help support every aspect of a child’s well-being while advancing SDG 3’s goal of child-centered and compassionate care.
As the global health community continues to prioritize well-being, the message is clear: emotional support is vital for a child’s well-being. When care reaches beyond treatment to embrace joy, hope, and connection, healing becomes deeper and truly transformative. Do you want to know more about this subject? Don’t hesitate to contact us!