ADOLESCENT CANCER SURVIVORS - PSYCHOSOCIAL AND FAMILIAL ADAPTATION

Adolescent cancer survivors were compared with nondiseased control sub jects on measures of adaptation, coping, body image, sexual adjustment , psychopathology, and family functioning. Cancer survivors reported n o major difficulties in social competence, overall coping, and family communication. Although their school teachers reported no symptoms of psychopathology, the cancer survivors did report body image disturbanc es and adjustment difficulties. Further, the surviving adolescents wer e eager to present themselves favorably. Compared with nondiseased con trol families, families of survivors were characterized as somewhat in flexible. Implications for clinical practice include the careful monit oring of youth who have survived cancer as well as sensitivity to unde rlying concerns that the survivors and their families may avoid.