Family coping. Supportive and obstructive factors.

Abstract

Successful coping with pediatric cancer enables the family to participate in the effective care of the child. This article focuses on those family variables associated with coping and adjustment to pediatric cancer. Among the variables most commonly noted as risk factors are the following: low socioeconomic status, concurrent stresses, low level of support, pre-existing serious psychologic problems in a family member, and inadequate coping resources. Implications of these risk factors for poor coping are discussed as well as recommendations for further investigation.