Family functioning predictors of adjustment in children with newly diagnosed cancer: A prospective analysis

Author(s): Katz, E. R., Colegrove, R., Dolgin, M.

Journal/Book: J Child Psychol Psychiat. 1996; 37: The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England OX5 1GB. Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd. 321-328.

Abstract: Theoretically-driven investigations on the potentially modifiable predictors of individual differences among newly-diagnosed pediatric cancer patients may facilitate the identification of children at risk for adjustment problems. Within a risk and resistance conceptual model, family functioning was investigated concurrently and prospectively as a predictor of adjustment in newly-diagnosed pediatric cancer patients at Time 1 (within 1 month after diagnosis), Time 2 (6 months postdiagnosis), and Time 3 (9 months postdiagnosis). The family relationship dimensions of cohesion and expressiveness most consistently predicted the psychological and social adjustment of children with newly-diagnosed cancer over a 9-month period after initial diagnosis. These findings are discussed in terms of the treatment implications for enhancing child adjustment to newly-diagnosed cancer and biomedical treatment.

Note: Article JW Varni, Childrens Hosp & Hlth Ctr, Psychosocial & Behav Sci Program, Div Hematol Oncol, 3020 Childrens Way, San Diego, CA 92123 USA

Keyword(s): cancer; children; adjustment; family functioning; LONG-TERM SURVIVORS; CHILDHOOD-CANCER; PSYCHOLOGIC ADAPTATION; PEDIATRIC LEUKEMIA; PARENTS

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