Perceived social competency in children with brain tumors: comparison between children on and off therapy

J Pediatr Oncol Nurs. 2010 May-Jun;27(3):156-63. doi: 10.1177/1043454209357918. Epub 2010 Feb 10.

Abstract

Children with brain tumors are at risk for a number of cognitive, academic, and social difficulties as a consequence of their illness and its treatment. Of these, the least is known about social functioning, particularly over the course of the illness. Thirty children with brain tumors were evaluated using neurocognitive and psychological measures, including a measure of perceived competency. Results indicated that off-therapy brain tumor patients reported more concerns about their social competence than both a normative sample and children on treatment. Findings highlight the need for more research aimed at helping survivors cope with long-term stressors associated with their illness.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adolescent
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Brain Neoplasms / complications
  • Brain Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / diagnosis
  • Child Behavior Disorders / etiology
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis
  • Mental Disorders / etiology
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Parents / psychology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Self Efficacy*
  • Self-Assessment
  • Social Adjustment
  • Social Behavior*
  • Southeastern United States
  • Wechsler Scales