Physical sequelae and self-perceived attachment in adult survivors of childhood cancer

The association between the physical sequelae of childhood cancer and self- reported attachment behavior was investigated in 97 adult survivors. Attach ment was assessed using standardized self-report questionnaires. Functional disability and cosmetic sequelae of the cancer and its treatment were eval uated by the attending oncologist using a standardized rating scale. Result s suggest that attachment is not significantly associated with physician-ra ted physical sequelae, but may be related to the time of onset of the funct ional deficits, independent of the current age or age at diagnosis. Further , survivors with functional sequelae in adulthood describe themselves as mo re insecure in their relationships in general and more ambivalent in their relationship with their parents. These findings, if replicated, suggest tha t the duration of the functional deficits as well as the developmental stag e of the individual when they began may be important variables which affect the survivor's capacity to develop and maintain intimate relationships tha t are secure and satisfying. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.