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Trauma and Personality Correlates in Long Term Pediatric Cancer Survivors

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Abstract

To explore the relationship between PTSD and trauma-spectrum symptoms, including personality and functional correlates, in long term pediatric cancer survivors (N = 40), we assessed these constructs with a structured interview for PTSD, a clinical interview, and self-report questionnaires. Thirty-five out of 40 participants (88%) currently met at least one trauma symptom at a functionally significant level. These survivors demonstrate high levels of restraint and low levels of distress, representative of a repressive adaptive style. After more than 5 years since treatment completion, the relatively high levels of current trauma-spectrum symptoms may reflect the long-term deleterious impact of childhood cancer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Logan Hall, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131

    Sarah J. Erickson

  2. Stanford University School of Medicine, USA

    Hans Steiner

Authors
  1. Sarah J. Erickson
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  2. Hans Steiner
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Erickson, S.J., Steiner, H. Trauma and Personality Correlates in Long Term Pediatric Cancer Survivors. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 31, 195–213 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026477321319

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