Understanding Leukemic Children's Coping Behavior Within the Family Context: Two Case Presentations

Abstract

A majority of children diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia remain in continuous remission 5 years following diagnosis due to improved medical treatment. However, the term “cure” is seldom used, and these children and their families must cope with the uncertainty of a life-threatening illness. The literature indicates that many of these young patients as well as their siblings develop psychosocial problems secondary to this stressful diagnosis. Children's attempts to cope with the impact of leukemia must be evaluated within the context of the families of which they are a part. This paper contrasts the dynamics of two vastly different families and the effects their interactional patterns have on the coping behavior of the patient and siblings. Emphasis is placed on the functions and influence of the marital dyad. A discussion of nursing implications and interventions is included.