Testing the validity of categories in a theoretical perspective on chronic illness

The purpose of this study was to analyze differences in future time perspective, loneliness and perceived maternal expressiveness between adolescents who were chronically ill with cystic fibrosis and adolescents who were reportedly healthy. The sample consisted of 30 adolescents with cystic fibrosis who were matched on selected variables with 30 healthy adolescents. They responded to the Heimberg Future Time Perspective Inventory, the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Perceived Maternal Expressiveness Scale. The three hypotheses were tested using the t-test. Since none of the hypotheses was supported, the validity of the categories was questioned. Theoretical and practical implications are addressed.