Work

Cancer-Related Sources of Stress for Children With Cancer and Their Parents

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The current study examines reports and correlates of cancer-specific stressors in children with cancer and their parents. Measures Mothers (n = 191) and fathers (n = 95) reported on their own and their child's stressors, general perceived stress, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Children (n = 106) completed self-reports of their own stressors and posttraumatic stress symptoms. RESULTS: Mother and father self-reports were positively correlated, but mothers reported higher levels of stressors than fathers. Child and parent reports of children's stressors were positively correlated, but parents rated physical effects as more stressful while children rated role-functioning stressors as more stressful. Parents' and childrens' reports of stressors were also positively associated with general perceived stress and posttraumatic stress symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The findings extend research on stress in children with cancer and their parents, and may help inform research on risk and intervention in pediatric cancer populations.

Source: Journal of Pediatric Psychology

DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsr054

Authors: E. M. Rodriguez, M. J. Dunn, T. Zuckerman, K. Vannatta, C. A. Gerhardt, B. E. Compas

Institutions: Nationwide Children's Hospital, Vanderbilt University, The Ohio State University, Abigail Wexner Research Institute

Language: English

Topic: Childhood Cancer Survivors' Quality of Life

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Cancer Institute