The Influence of Early Childhood Temperament on Later Social-Emotional Functioning in Youth with Cancer

A study of high neuroticism in long-term survivors of childhood, adolescence, and young adult cancers

Neuroticism is a basic personality trait concerning negative feelings under stressful conditions. Our purpose was to examine the rate of high neuroticism and factors associated with high neuroticism in long-term (≥ 5 years) survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer (CAYACSs). Norwegian CAYACSs aged 0–39 years when diagnosed and treated between 1985 and 2009 for cancer in childhood/adolescence (0–18 years), or as young adults (19–39 years) and alive in 2015 were mailed a questionnaire. Data from 1629 CAYACSs (481 children/adolescents and 1148 young adults) were analyzed. High neuroticism was found in 44% of survivors of childhood/adolescent cancers versus 34% in survivors of young adult cancer (p < 0.001). The rate of high neuroticism in female CAYACSs was 40% and in males 30% (p < 0.001). The corresponding difference between male survivor group was non-significant. In multivariable analysis, young age at survey, more adverse effects, poor self-rated health, female sex, chronic fatigue, and increased depression remained significantly associated with high neuroticism. Cancer treatment, comorbidity, and lifestyle were significant in bivariate analyses. Cancer at earlier age could increase the risk of high neuroticism among adult survivors. Screening for neuroticism could identify CAYACSs at risk for experiencing multiple health concerns and needing special follow-up attention.

Factors influencing emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children with cancer based on self-regulation shift theory

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to investigate the factors influencing emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children with cancer and to provide a scientific basis for developing predictive intervention strategies.

METHODS

We recruited 375 preschool children with cancer, from March 2019 to February 2020, via convenience sampling. The self-regulation shift theory was implemented as a theoretical framework and a structural equation model was applied to construct and validate this framework and to analyze the relationships among various influencing factors.

RESULTS

Children's effortful control, parent-child attachment, the family environment, family upbringing, parents' marital quality, parents' education level, and social support significantly affected children's emotions and behaviors. Additionally, children's effortful control and parent-child attachment mediated the effect of the family environment, family upbringing, and parents' marital quality on children's emotions and behaviors."

CONCLUSION

This study identified several factors that influence children's emotions and behaviors, which should be considered while developing predictive intervention strategies to promote children's rehabilitation and improve parents' education, thus offering improved support for children with cancer.

The Toll of Transition: Caregiver Perceptions of Family Adjustment During the Transition off Pediatric Cancer Therapy

OBJECTIVE

The role of transition-focused psychology appointments in managing the transition off therapy is unclear. The objective of this research was to explore caregiver perceived familial distress and the role of psychology in preparing families for transition.

METHODS

Fifty-seven caregivers of youth, who finished treatment, completed an online questionnaire through a quality improvement project on experiences of families at transition. Twenty-two percent of caregivers had children who completed a transition-focused psychology consult and 63% completed a cognitive assessment at transition. Retrospective analyses were conducted assessing the association of psychology visits on caregiver perceptions of being informed of and prepared to manage transition-related challenges.

RESULTS

Most caregivers reported experiencing adjustment concerns for family members. Caregivers of children completing a transition-focused psychology consult or cognitive assessment reported feeling more informed and greater preparedness to manage difficulties. Although decreased distress was not associated with the visit, those who felt more informed and prepared reported lower distress.

CONCLUSIONS

Caregivers perceive transitioning off therapy as stressful for their family, though they experience decreased familial distress when informed of and prepared to manage transition-related challenges. These findings highlight the importance of psychosocial support at transition. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.