Date Approved

2017

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Psychology

Committee Member

Catherine Peterson

Committee Member

Angela Staples

Committee Member

Heather Janisse

Abstract

While the prognosis for pediatric cancer is improving, survivorship is accompanied by a number of potential long-term consequences. While not all childhood cancer survivors (CCS) and their parents experience psychological distress during survivorship, research does indicate that at least some do experience significant problems that warrant intervention. The current study was a retrospective analysis of an existing cross-sectional dataset that examined associations between psychological distress and other late effects in CCS and their parents. Neurocognitive late effects (NCLE) and parent/child distress were found to predict both parent and child psychological distress. Time since diagnosis was found to be related to parental distress, and behavior problems were associated with child distress. The present study contributes to the current understanding of how families of CCS function during survivorship and indicate that interventions aimed at addressing child NCLE and psychological adjustment in children and parents will likely improve overall family functioning.

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS