The fact that some individuals either develop only short - term problems or do not become ill at all on experiencing major
psychological or physical pressures suggests that there are
certain protective mechanisms — in other words, defensive, self - healing processes — which can prevent the development of stress - related
illnesses.
Moreover, because
certain parenting behaviors (e.g.,
psychological control) are more prevalent among parents of children with chronic
illnesses (Holmbeck, Shapera et al., 2002), a focus on this population affords an opportunity to study a phenomenon that is less common among families of typically developing offspring.