Evaluation of Psychological Reactions in Children When Using Respiratory Protective Devices

Three experiments were carried out with the aim of evaluating psychological reactions in children (0 to 7 years) when using respiratory protective devices (PD). Psychological reactions like uncertainty, anxiety, claustrophobia, and physiologic distress are linked with clothing, design, and technical conditions. From a psychological point of view, aspects connected with the possibility of satisfying psychosogical requirements such as communication, supervision, and nursing are equally important as clothing, design, and technique when evaluating the effectiveness of the PD. Results show that reliability and confidence in the PD are important aspects when parents (adults) chose PDs for children. If two protective devices are technically equal, the one that is shown to be most reliable will be chosen.