Abstract
Objective
This article aimed to evaluate the psychological adjustment of Brazilian children experiencing cancer relapse by comparing their adjustment with cancer survivors and “healthy” children, based on the reports of their parents or caregivers.
Method
Participants were 140 caregivers of children in relapse (n = 24), remission (n = 59), and of children considered “healthy” (control group) (n = 57). The Behavior Assessment System for Children and the Family Environment Scale were applied. Data analyses were performed through Student’s t-test, Chi-square, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlations.
Results
The results showed that children with cancer did not present more psychopathologies than the control group; however, they had more social and leadership skills. Protective (family cohesion) and risk factors (child´s age, number of relapses, treatment duration, caregiver’s income and education level) were also observed.
Conclusion
This study proposes the screening of psychological symptoms for risk subgroups and the design of intervention strategies for this population.
Keywords
Adaptation; Cancer in children; Emotional adjustment; Psycho-Oncology; Relapse