Benefit Finding Scale for Children: Preliminary Findings from a Childhood Cancer Population

Abstract

The BFSC shows promise as a measure of benefit finding in children. The measure could be readily adapted for other populations of children experiencing trauma.

Making sense of resilience: A review from the field of paediatric psycho-oncology and a proposal of a model for its study. [Explicando la resiliencia: una revisión desde la psico-oncología pediátrica y una propuesta de modelo para su estudio]

“…Despite these results, BF research with childhood cancer survivors' samples is still scarce (Castellano et al, 2010;Eiser et al, 2000;Michel, Taylor, Absolom & Eiser, 2010;Phipps, Long & Ogden, 2007;Zebrack & Chesler, 2002). So far, obtained results suggest that the vast majority of adolescent cancer survivors are able to report both positive and negative consequences as a result of the oncological experience, with different effects on their quality of life and adjustment in survivorship (Engvall, Cernvall, Larsson, von Essen & Mattsson, 2011;Mattsson et al, 2007;Maurice-Stam, Grootenhuis, Caron & Last, 2007;Sundberg et al, 2009 Phipps et al, 2007).…”

“…So far, obtained results suggest that the vast majority of adolescent cancer survivors are able to report both positive and negative consequences as a result of the oncological experience, with different effects on their quality of life and adjustment in survivorship (Engvall, Cernvall, Larsson, von Essen & Mattsson, 2011;Mattsson et al, 2007;Maurice-Stam, Grootenhuis, Caron & Last, 2007;Sundberg et al, 2009 Phipps et al, 2007). However there is no Spanish adaptation for this scale -there is only a Spanish translation for Mexican population -and few studies have used it in childhood cancer survivors' samples so far (Maurice-Stam et al, 2010).…”

Benefit finding and well-being in children with life threatening illnesses: An integrative study

“…Many cancer patients report gains, such as positive changes in views of the self (e.g., feeling stronger and wiser), in relationships with others (e.g., feeling closer with friends and family), and in priorities and goals (e.g., a deepened sense of purpose or a reappraisal of their life's priorities to emphasize enjoyment of life, relationships, and personal growth) (Antoni et al, 2001;Carver & Antoni, 2004;Cordova, Cunningham, Carlson, & Andrykowski, 2001;Tomich & Hegelson, 2004). From this perspective, the onset of a serious illness has been recognized not only as a potentially traumatic event for the patient, but also as a potential catalyst for resilience and even positive changes and growth (Phipps, Long, & Ogden, 2007). In this paper, we will specifically focus on the positive perspectives that children may have when diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.…”

“…Research on the role of benefit finding (BF) in adaptation to a serious illness has largely focused on adult patients, with only a few pediatric studies (Phipps, Steele, Hall and Leigh, 2001;Barakat, Alderfer, & Kazak, 2006;Phipps et al, 2007;Currier, Hermes, & Phipps, 2009;Meyerson, Grant, Carter & Klimer, 2011). The construct of BF would appear particularly salient to children with a life threatening illness, given the different pathways in which BF may improve physical and psychological health (Bower, Moskowitz & Epel, 2009).…”

Children’s Spiritual Lives: The Development of a Children’s Spirituality Measure

“…In his review of approximately 30 multi-item measures, he identified very few published measures that were specifically developed for school-aged children (7-11 years). The Multidimensional Life Satisfaction Scale for Children (primary school age; [22]), Feeling Good Living Life Spiritual Well Being Questionnaire (5-12 years; [20]), Spiritual and Religious Thriving in Adolescents (9-15 years; [23]), and the Benefit Finding Scale for Children (7-18 years; [24]) are all published scales that have been subjected to factor analysis with child populations.…”