Hoping is coping: A guiding theoretical framework for promoting coping and adjustment following pediatric cancer diagnosis

Julie N. Germann, David Leonard, Thomas J. Stuenzi, Radu B. Pop, Sunita M. Stewart, Patrick J. Leavey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective To determine the pattern of resilience and adjustment following pediatric cancer diagnosis and to evaluate hope as a mediator of adjustment. Methods 61 participants with pediatric cancer completed measures of hope, depression, anxiety, and quality of life (QoL) within 4 weeks of cancer diagnosis and every 3 months for 1 year. Results Participants showed high and increasing levels of hope and QoL, as well as low and decreasing levels of depression and anxiety. Linear mixed-effects regression analyses revealed changes in depression, anxiety, and hope to be significant predictors of changes in QoL. Changes in hope were found to partially mediate the effects of depression and anxiety on QoL. Conclusions While a variety of interventions are efficacious for treating anxiety and depression, hope theory provides a framework for choosing interventions that may more globally promote children's ability to maintain good functioning, adjustment, well-being, and QoL following cancer diagnosis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)846-855
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of pediatric psychology
Volume40
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 27 2014

Keywords

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • hope
  • pediatric cancer
  • quality of life
  • resilience

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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