Perceived Stress and Adjustment of Long-Term Survivors of Childhood Cancer

Abstract

With the increased probability of long-term survival from childhood cancer, quality of life has assumed an increasingly prominent role. The objective of the present study was to predict statistically the observed variability in adaptation of long-term survivors of childhood cancer. Perceived stress was selected for investigation as a potentially modifiable predictor variable, given its hypothesized role in patient functioning. Higher perceived stress statistically predicted increased psychological distress and lower general self-esteem after controlling for relevant demographic and medical variables. The implications of these findings suggest that stress management interventions may enhance the quality of life of long-term survivors of childhood cancer.