A controlled study of peer relationships of children surviving brain tumors: Teacher, peer, and self ratings

Objective: Evaluate the behavioral reputation and peer acceptance of childr en diagnosed and treated for brain tumors. Method: Twenty-eight children surviving brain tumors (8-18 years of age) we re compared to 28 nonchronically iii, same classroom, same gender compariso n peers (COMP). Peer, teacher, and self-report data were collected. Results: Relative to COMP, children who had been diagnosed with brain tumor s received fewer friendship nominations from classmates and were described by peer, teacher, and self-report as socially isolated. Although they were no longer receiving therapy for their disease, peers perceived brain tumor survivors as being sick, more fatigued, and often absent from school. Conclusions: These data suggest that children surviving brain tumors are at risk for social difficulties even after treatment ends, although the speci fic cause(s) for this vulnerability were not investigated in the current st udy.