IMPACT OF PARENTAL TERMINAL CANCER ON ADOLESCENTS

Psychological and emotional concerns of adolescents during a parent's terminal cancer are described. Compared to younger children, the adole scents' greater cognitive and empathic capacities allowed them to be m ore aware of losses and of the parent's physical and emotional pain. P arental illness also precipitated conflict around issues of developmen tally appropriate separation. The capacity to use intellectual defense s, search for meaning and deeper understanding, and seek help were pot ent coping abilities. Contrary to the prevailing view, most of the ado lescents coped with stress without resorting to severe acting out.