PREDICTING POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS SYMPTOMS IN MOTHERS AND FATHERS OF SURVIVORS OF CHILDHOOD CANCERS

Objective: To predict posttraumatic stress symptoms in parents of surv ivors of childhood cancer, using as predictors the following: personal ity (trait anxiety); current family and individual variables (perceive d life threat, perceived treatment intensity, life events, family func tioning, and social support); posttreatment variables (time since trea tment ended, child anxiety, medical sequelae); and treatment events (a ge at diagnosis, radiation therapy, intensity of treatment). Method: M others and fathers of 6- to 20-year-old survivors of childhood cancer (n = 331 families) completed a questionnaire battery in this two-site study. The outcome variable was the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Reac tion Index. Multiple regressions and path analyses were used to test t he model. Results: For both mothers and fathers, anxiety was the stron gest predictor of posttraumatic stress symptoms. The current family an d individual variables also contributed significantly, particularly wi th respect to the individual contributions of perceived life threat, p erceived treatment intensity, and social support. Objective medical da ta did not contribute to posttraumatic stress symptoms. Conclusions: P arental anxiety warrants attention throughout the course of treatment for childhood cancer and after treatment ends. Beliefs about past and present life threats associated with cancer treatment and family and s ocial support are other important targets for intervention.