PERCEIVED STRESS AND ADJUSTMENT OF LONG-TERM SURVIVORS OF CHILDHOOD-CANCER

With the increased probability of long-term survival from childhood ca ncer, quality of life has assumed an increasingly prominent role. The objective of the present study was to predict statistically the observ ed variability in adaptation of long-term survivors of childhood cance r. Perceived stress was selected for investigation as a potentially mo difiable predictor variable, given its hypothesized role in patient fu nctioning. Higher perceived stress statistically predicted increased p sychological distress and lower general self-esteem after controlling for relevant demographic and medical variables. The implications of th ese findings suggest that stress management interventions may enhance the quality of life of long-term survivors of childhood cancer.