RESUMEN
PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the effects of bubble-blowing (active distraction) and cartoon watching (passive distraction) techniques on pain, anxiety, and fear during venipuncture in children aged 6-8 years. DESIGN AND METHODS: This experimental study randomly assigned 56 children aged 6-8 years to cartoon watching or bubble-blowing groups. The child, parent, and researcher assessed pain using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, anxiety using the Children's State Anxiety Scale, and fear using the Children's Fear Scale. The study data were analyzed using the Chi-square tests and independent Sample t-tests. RESULTS: The groups were similar in clinical and demographic characteristics. The scores on pain, anxiety, and fear during the procedure were lower in the cartoon watching group than in the bubble-blowing group (pain t(47) = 2.638, p = .013; anxiety t(47) = 2.358, p = .023; and fear t(47) = 2.784, p = .008). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that cartoon watching as a passive distraction method was more effective in reducing pain, anxiety, and fear during venipuncture in children aged 6-8 years compared to bubble-blowing as an active distraction method. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The cartoon watching technique, which is affordable, easy to access, and effective (in reducing pain, anxiety, and fear), can be safely used during venipuncture in children aged 6-8 years.