Adjustment in Childhood Brain Tumor Survival: Child, Mother, and Teacher Report

Abstract

Examined the adjustment of 6- to 18-year-old children and adolescents (n = 38) 2 to 5 years postdiagnosis of brain tumor with respect to standardized measures of anxiety and depression; self-perceptions; and adaptive living skills. Child, mother, and teacher report data were used. Maternal adjustment (anxiety and depression, parenting stress) was also assessed. Children and adolescents surviving brain tumors reported themselves to be generally within the normal range. However, maternal ratings of social problems were higher than normative scores and significantly lower than norms on social problems, scholastic competence, and communication skills. Teacher ratings on the Teacher Rating Form were all within normal limits. Maternal adjustment measures were within the normal range, although the Parent-Child Dysfunctional Interaction subscale of the Parenting Stress index was elevated. No differences in scores were found between children in regular and special education, or between children who had received radiation and those who did not. This sample of survivors of pediatric brain tumors and their mothers had relatively mild problems in adjustment, supporting a competency-based view of the adaptation of pediatric patients and their families.