Social support and social cognitive problem-solving in children with newly diagnosed cancer

Abstract

Children newly diagnosed with cancer have been documented to be at increased risk for difficulties in their return to school and ongoing positive social experiences. This article reviews the critical role of social support in helping children adjust to their illness and treatment. Social skills training for newly diagnosed children is presented as an important intervention strategy for increasing positive social interactions and overall psychosocial adjustment. A randomized, clinical research trial currently in progress that will evaluate the impact of social skills training on newly diagnosed children 5–13 years of age is delineated. The potentially positive impact of social skills training on the prevention of emotional problems and increased biologic survival are discussed.

Identifying Support Issues of Parents of Children with Leukemia

“…Classmate social support has been documented as the most consistent predictor of adaptation for children with a newly diagnosed cancer 33 . There is increasing recognition that social support in relation to schooling is crucial in helping children adapt to their illness and treatment 34 . Parents in this study talked about the importance of continuing the supportive relationship with the ill child's friends as a way of ensuring their connection with a normal existence.…”

“…With the rising survival rates and potential for cures in pediatric oncology, the qualitative nature of both the child's and the family's life experiences with cancer has become an area of growing concern 1 . This is particularly relevant in relation to the success story of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which within recent decades has gone from being a quickly lethal disease to one in which 60% to 80% of newly diagnosed children are cured 2,3 …”

Conceptual Understanding of Resilience in the Adolescent With Cancer: Part I

“…However, adopting a resilience model to guide practice should not lead to a lower social commitment to the psychological health of children and adolescents. Instead, it should lead to a stronger emphasis on primary prevention programs such as social skills training programs that are designed to increase positive social interactions and overall psychosocial adjustment in children who are newly diagnosed with References cancer (Katz & Varni, 1993;L6sel, Bliesener, & K6ferl, 1989).…”

Preferences for support services among adolescents and young adults with cancer or a blood disorder: A discrete choice experiment

“…A strong social support system is a significant resource for children with cancer and their families coping with the illness [16][17][18]. Social support and family serve as a variable in future orientation among AYA [19].…”