Adolescent Adjustment and Maternal Breast Cancer

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of parental functioning on adolescent adjustment during the acute phase of treatment for mothers diagnosed with breast cancer. Data from self-and parent-report questionnaires were obtained in the homes of 87 adolescents and 174 parents within six months of the mother's diagnosis. Associations between adolescent adjustment (self-esteem, behavioral problems, anxiety) and parental functioning (depressed mood, parenting quality, and marital adjustment) were examined when neither, one, or both parents were functioning at compromised levels. When both parents had depressed mood, adolescents tended to show increased behavioral problems; maternal depressed mood was the main source of influence. When the quality of the parenting relationship between the adolescent and both parents was poor, adolescents showed significantly lowered self-esteem and increased anxiety. Marital adjustment did not affect adolescent functioning significantly. Maternal depressed mood and the quality of the parent-child relationship significantly influenced adolescent adjustment during the acute phase of the mother's breast cancer.

Key Words:

• Breast cancer
• adolescent
• psychosocial adjustment
• parenting behavior

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Emily L. Darby

Dr. Darby is a Resident in Internal Medicine University of Washington, Seattle, WA.