Psychosocial care in children with stem cell transplantation

The paper describes adaptation processes of children undergoing stem cell t ransplantation. Results from a prospective longitudinal study indicate two different levels of emotional adaptation. The children's good adaptation to the facts of treatment are a result of heavy inner work. The child's neuro ticism and anxiety scores and the parents' coping style and experienced soc ial support seem to have an influence on the occurrence of severe adjustmen t disorders during SCT. It is important to recognise the child's inner proc esses and the family's influences before and during SCT.