Two types of information, separately and in combination, were evaluated for their effects on the process and outcomes of maternal and child coping with unplanned childhood hospitalization. One hundred eight mothers of hospitalized children, 2 to 5 years old, were randomly assigned to one of four study groups. Child behavioral information and parental role information had positive effects on maternal state anxiety as well as on parental support and participation in their children's care during hospitalization. Ten to 14 days following hospitalization, positive main effects were shown for child behavioral and parental role information on mothers' state anxiety levels and for child behavioral information on children's negative behaviors.