Transitional object and children with chronic disease. Comparative study of the forms of transitional object among children with diabetes mellitus or rheumatic disease.

The prevalence of the transitional object among children with rheumatic disease and diabetes mellitus is examined in this comparative study with highly matched groups. There is no evidence which could indicate the lack of transitional objects among these children. In the rheumatic group the transitional object was more common than in the other groups and the children used it later than others. The soothing function of transitional object is discussed.