Bf. Fuemmeler et al., Posttraumatic stress and general distress among parents of children surviving a brain tumor, CHILD HEA C, 30(3), 2001, pp. 169-182
In this preliminary study we examined both posttraumatic stress and general
distress among parents of children diagnosed with a brain tumor. Participa
nts included 28 parents of children diagnosed with a brain tumor who comple
ted self-report measures of posttraumatic stress, general distress, coping,
and illness uncertainty. Findings revealed that participants reported high
levels of posttraumatic stress and general distress. Greater levels of emo
tion-focused coping and perceived uncertainty were associated with a higher
frequency of both posttraumatic stress symptoms and general distress. Howe
ver, perceived uncertainty was the strongest predictor of both indexes of d
istress. Emotion-focused coping predicted general distress, but not posttra
umatic stress symptom severity. Overall, parents of children surviving a br
ain tumor appear to be at risk for both posttraumatic stress and general di
stress. Uncertainty in illness may constitute a primary risk factor for adj
ustment problems.