Identity in adolescent survivors of childhood cancer

Objective: To investigate identity formation among adolescent survivors of childhood cancer. Family functioning, perceived emotional support from fami ly and peers, life stress, and anxiety produced by the cancer experience al so were examined as they influenced identity development. Method: Participants were 52 adolescent survivors and their mothers recruit ed from a medical center and 42 healthy adolescent counterparts and their m others recruited from the community. Results: A greater frequency of survivors than their healthy peers was foun d within the foreclosed identity status. Factors associated with the forecl osed identity status included the cancer diagnosis, symptoms of posttraumat ic stress disorder (PTSD), and family functioning characterized by greater levels of conflict. Conclusions: Data were interpreted to suggest that the foreclosed identity status may serve a protective function in assisting survivors to cope with the stressors of the cancer experience.