Self-Concept in Survivors of Childhood and Adolescent Cancer

Abstract

This article describes a comparison of the self-concept of 62 children ages 6-18 years who had completed treatment for childhood cancer and 120 healthy children. The children's global as well as specific self-concepts were analyzed. Global self-concept was found to be similar and within normal limits in both groups. However, overall, the cancer survivors reported more positive feelings about global self-concept than did the comparison group, and they received higher scores on five of six self-concept subscales. Furthermore, children in the survivor group reported feeling significantly better than the comparison group did about the self-concept aspects of their intellectual and school status, behavior, and overall happiness and satisfaction. The cancer self-concept profile that emerged from this study contributes to the recent literature on the normalcy and healthy psychological status of children who have a chronic illness. The profile also illuminates problems that are specific to the cancer experience and may require intervention. The authors present additional findings pertaining to the antecedents of the discase and its treatment and the impact of the disease and treatment on self-concept associated with physical appearance and attributes.