Final answer:
The 10 year-old likely attends mass for comfort from participating in familiar religious rituals, which provide emotional and social support during illness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Considering the information provided, it is most reasonable to suspect that the reason the 10 year-old child attends mass every Sunday in the hospital chapel during every stay is that the child is comforted by participating in the rituals associated with their religion. Religious or spiritual beliefs can provide critical emotional and social support to individuals, especially when they are facing challenging times such as illness. Religion can deeply influence cognitive connections and mental habits, providing hope, and a sense of peace and stability amidst uncertainty. Additionally, rituals like Baptism, Communion, and Confession carry significant emotional and spiritual meaning for those who practice Christianity, which may strongly contribute to the comfort the child feels.
Though the other options presented, such as fear of dying, parental obligation, or a need for distraction, might also play some role, religious practice typically serves as a stable, reassuring element in a person's life, providing solace and a sense of community, which can be extremely valuable when coping with illness. This aligns with research suggesting that religious and spiritual support can be beneficial in coping with death and loss, underscoring the importance of religious practices for those in the healthcare setting.