Parental distress during pediatric leukemia and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) after treatment ends

Objective: To evaluate prospectively the association between parental anxie ty during treatment for childhood leukemia and posttraumatic stress symptom s (PTSS) after treatment ends. A secondary goal is to explore concurrent va riables associated with parental avoidance after treatment ends. Methods: This is a longitudinal follow-up study of 113 parents of children treated for leukemia who previously participated in a study of procedural d istress during treatment. Data included parental self-report questionnaires completed during treatment and after treatment. Results: Using hierarchical multiple regression, we found anxiety during tr eatment to be a significant predictor of later PTSS for mothers, but not fa thers. Anxiety, self-efficacy, posttraumatic growth and length of time sinc e treatment ended were associated with parental avoidance. Conclusions: Highly anxious parents are at risk for PTSS and may benefit fr om approaches that decrease anxiety during treatment and afterward. Enhanci ng self-efficacy related to follow-up care and identifying positive aspects of the traumatic experiences are suggested as treatment approaches for fam ilies after cancer treatment.