Fundación Pequeño Deseo study finds lasting impact of wishes on children

A longitudinal study conducted by the Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca and the Fundación Pequeño Deseo has found that fulfilling a wish for children with serious illnesses leaves a lasting emotional impact that persists for at least ten years.

According to the research led by Professor Beatriz Palacios, 100% of the surveyed children remembered the fulfillment of their wish as one of the happiest moments of their lives a decade later. The study indicates that these experiences act as a window of hope, providing social recognition and a temporary break from the dynamics of suffering.

The benefits extend beyond the patients to include families, siblings, and healthcare professionals. Javier Urra, a trustee of the Fundación Pequeño Deseo, noted that children typically seek experiences that allow them to leave the hospital environment rather than seeking physical objects. This research builds upon a 2012 study which found that 97% of children used the experience to encourage themselves during difficult times and 81% reported an increased will to fight.