Children’s narratives of chronic Illness: A thematic analysis using the 6-F Model

Abstract

Background: Narrative medicine emphasizes the value of patient stories as essential to diagnosis, treatment, and holistic care. In pediatrics, this approach is especially relevant, as children with chronic conditions often depend on adults to interpret their experiences. The Children’s Story Bank WKZ* (est. 2023) offers a platform for children to anonymously share their narratives.

Objective: This study applies the 6-F model, Function, Family, Fitness, Friends, Fun, and Future, as an analytical framework to explore the lived experiences of children with chronic conditions. The central research question was: What similarities and differences emerge in these stories across the six domains?

Method: A thematic analysis of ten stories from children was conducted using NVivo. Stories were coded according to the six domains, with interpretation performed by one researcher.

Results: “Function” was the most frequently mentioned domain, highlighting children’s adaptations in daily life and education. “Family” and “Friends” consistently served as emotional and practical anchors, while “Fun” was described as a deliberate coping strategy to maintain identity and wellbeing. In contrast, “Fitness” and “Future” were referenced less often and showed considerable variation. Across narratives, children demonstrated resilience, creativity, and agency in managing illness-related challenges.

Conclusion: Across all six domains, children demonstrated resilience and a search for normality, yet differences emerged in how much emphasis was placed on physical fitness, openness about illness in friendships, and expectations for the future. These findings highlight both shared coping patterns and individual variation in the lived experiences of children with chronic conditions.