Garcia, Fatima. (1995) Psychosocial Adjustment of Pediatric Cancer Survivor. Ateneo De Manila University: Quezon City.
Abstract: This research investigated how demographic, family cohesion and clinical management factors affect pediatric cancer survivor’s adjustment process. Participants were three solid tumor and three leukemia survivors including their parents. Three parents and their children who were sick and hospitalized due to tuberculosis were also asked to participate to serve as a comparison group. An exploratory multiply case-study approach was used. The survivor’s overall level of psychosocial adjustment was obtained by evaluating child’s social, emotional, moral, cognitive and physical development using projective tests, structured and open-ended interviews. Demographic data was obtained through hospital records. Family cohesion data and evaluation of clinical management was obtained through structured and open-ended interviews. Demographic data was obtained through hospital records. Family cohesion data and evaluation of clinical management was obtained through structured and open-ended interviews with the parents. Findings showed that pediatric cancer survivor’s problems delve more on the social and emotional levels of development. Survivors long for peer acceptance and age group companionship. There is no lone factor but a combination of factors, namely, socioeconomic status, child-sibling relationship, parent-child relationship, parental overanxiety, marital quality and spouse support, coping mechanisms, and medical information which affect a pediatric cancer survivor’s psychosocial adjustment.