The family's adaptation to childhood leukemia

Abstract

This baseline study obtained data measuring the specific effects of the stress of childhood leukemia on family life and on the lives of individual family members. Mothers, fathers, siblings, and patients were included in the data collection. Specific variables measured were marital adjustment, anxiety level, dynamics of family interaction, and the school behavior of patients and siblings. The data were collected at designated intervals over a one year period beginning at the time of diagnosis. In addition, the data were utilized to speculate on those families that appeared to be at risk for the development of long-term psychosocial problems secondary to, or aggravated by the illness. Results indicated that patterns of coping for families, as well as for individual family members, were relatively constant over time. Families with predominantly stable relationships and adequate support within the family unit were able to maintain their usual quality of life over an extended period of time despite the onset of acute stress. However, families with pre-existing problems prior to diagnosis for the most part experienced increased deterioration in family life and had difficulty coping. Results of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Scale, the Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment Test, the Moos Family Environment Scale, the MMPI, and school data supporting these conclusions are given.