Psychological reactions to having had childhood cancer often continue after treatment ends, for survivors and their parents. Based on our previous research, we developed an intervention program for adolescent survivors of childhood cancer, their parents, and siblings. Surviving Cancer Competently: An Intervention Program--SCCIP--is a one-day family group intervention that combines cognitive-behavioral and family therapy approaches. The goals of SCCIP are to reduce symptoms of distress and to improve family functioning and development. SCCIP is described and data from a pilot study of 19 families are presented. Program evaluation data indicated that all family members found SCCIP helpful. Standardized measures administered before the intervention and again at 6 months after SCCIP showed that symptoms of posttraumatic stress and anxiety decreased. Changes in family functioning were more difficult to discern. Overall, the results were promising with regard to the feasibility of the program and its potential for reducing symptoms of distress for all family members.

Findings are suggestive of the potential effectiveness of social-skills training in groups for children with brain tumors. Multisite, randomized, controlled studies are recommended as the next step.

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.

The purpose of the study was to examine if survivors of pediatric brain tumors exhibit a pattern of performance consistent with nonverbal learning disability (NVLD) and to explore the relationship between neuropsychological and social functioning in these children. A comprehensive neuropsychological battery and objective measures of psychosocial function designed to assess NVLD were administered to 15 survivors of brain tumors, ages 8-12 years. Despite the small sample size, a trend for better verbal skills compared to nonverbal skills was found using composite scores. Parents reported significant social deficits and a tendency for greater internalizing behavior problems as expected in NVLD. Additionally, there was a trend for a positive association between nonverbal scores and social function. Further research is needed to determine if the NVLD pattern observed is attributable to white matter damage of the right hemisphere. Routine neuropsychological and psychosocial assessment and intervention are indicated.

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