Self-Image of Adolescent Survivors of Long-term Childhood Leukemia

Abstract

The purpose of our research was to evaluate the attitude to face the life cycle and the impact that the experience of childhood leukemia may have had in a group of adolescents who had the disease cured. A questionnaire was administered at the Pediatric Hematology Center, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy, to all former patients age 12 to 20 years and off therapy from leukemia for at least 2 years (total of 116 adolescents) during 1997; 70 patients responded to the mailing and a comparison group of 70 secondary-school students was investigated. The two groups were matched as closely as possible on key characteristics (age, gender, socio-economic level of families, education and occupation of the parents, and geographic area of residence). The Offer Self-Image Questionnaire was the instrument used in this study. Overall, the teenagers in whom leukemia was cured showed a more positive and mature self-image (psychologic, social, attitude toward family, and coping) compared with the student group (statistical evidence, P < 0.05). An effective psychosocial support for patients and their families during their treatment, in addition to medical therapy, is strongly recommended. The majority of survivors of childhood cancer grow successfully without serious psychologic sequelae.

Quality of life in adults following bone marrow transplantation during childhood

“…Similar findings have been reported in previous studies on survivors of childhood cancer. 57,58 Furthermore, seeking social support as a means of coping with stress was related to better role functioning (emotional part), whereas passive coping was related to poorer mental health. These results are in line with coping literature.…”

Are there any positive consequences of childhood cancer? A review of the literature

“…See Table III for a presentation of results in studies with a comparative design with regard to this theme. A more positive attitude towards the family [43], a preference for interacting with others [31], more positive emotions when interacting with others [31], better social relationships [43], and less anti-social behaviour [63] than for comparison groups were expressed by self-reports. Teachers reported less aggressive and disruptive behaviour for survivors than for a comparison group [65].…”

“…this theme. According to self-reports, survivors experience better total self-esteem [43], a better body image [43], worry less about what their own body looks like [39,66], experience higher levels of happiness and satisfaction [19], and have a better self-concept with regard to intellectual and school status and behaviour [19] than comparison groups.…”

A descriptive qualitative study of childhood cancer challenges in South Africa: Thematic analysis of 68 photovoice contributions

“…23,24,25 Parents' emotional distress was frequently reported as overwhelming 25 and was caused by the burden of lifestyle cost, 26 maintaining family life, financial pressures, travelling away from home to childhood oncology treatment centres, separation from other children and a sense of powerlessness to protect one's child. For adolescents and teenagers, the emotional struggle of being separated from friends, awareness of the risk of death 25,27 and missing important childhood experiences 28,29 requires targeted interventions given the special emotional needs of this age group. 27,30 Positive emotional coping was related to rewarding peer patient and peer-parent relationships, positive medical care, deepening of family relationships and growth of spiritual faith.…”

“…For adolescents and teenagers, the emotional struggle of being separated from friends, awareness of the risk of death 25,27 and missing important childhood experiences 28,29 requires targeted interventions given the special emotional needs of this age group. 27,30 Positive emotional coping was related to rewarding peer patient and peer-parent relationships, positive medical care, deepening of family relationships and growth of spiritual faith. Appreciation for good communication, 19 kindness and good medical care confirms other findings that positive regard by medical personnel is a significant stress-reducing factor.…”