OBJECTIVE: To examine the adjustment of children of mothers with both active and nonactive breast cancers in comparison with a healthy community control sample. METHODS: Participants included 80 mothers and their children. Half of the mothers had breast cancer or a history of breast cancer. Children in both groups ranged in age from 8 to 19 years. Assessments included measures of maternal stressors and resources, maternal and child adjustment and posttraumatic stress, and maternal coping and illness uncertainty reported by both mothers and their children. RESULTS: Few differences were found between the groups, although there was a trend for girls of mothers with breast cancer to have a higher frequency of depressive symptoms. Children of mothers who perceived support from friends and family had fewer depressive symptoms, after we controlled for child gender. CONCLUSIONS: The social support perceived by mothers with breast cancer may serve as a protective factor for their children's psychological adjustment.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the adjustment of children of mothers with both active and nonactive breast cancers in comparison with a healthy community control sample. METHODS:Participants included 80 mothers and their children. Half of the mothers had breast cancer or a history of breast cancer. Children in both groups ranged in age from 8 to 19 years. Assessments included measures of maternal stressors and resources, maternal and child adjustment and posttraumatic stress, and maternal coping and illness uncertainty reported by both mothers and their children. RESULTS: Few differences were found between the groups, although there was a trend for girls of mothers with breast cancer to have a higher frequency of depressive symptoms. Children of mothers who perceived support from friends and family had fewer depressive symptoms, after we controlled for child gender. CONCLUSIONS: The social support perceived by mothers with breast cancer may serve as a protective factor for their children's psychological adjustment.
Authors: Frances Marcus Lewis; Kristin A Griffith; Amy Walker; Robin M Lally; Elizabeth T Loggers; Ellen H Zahlis; Mary Ellen Shands; Zainab Alzawad; Hebah Al Mulla; Nai-Ching Chi Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2016-10-21 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Frances Marcus Lewis; Patricia A Brandt; Barbara B Cochrane; Kristin A Griffith; Marcia Grant; Joan E Haase; Arlene D Houldin; Janice Post-White; Ellen H Zahlis; Mary Ellen Shands Journal: J Consult Clin Psychol Date: 2014-11-17
Authors: Frances Marcus Lewis; Ellen H Zahlis; Mary Ellen Shands; Kristin A Griffith; Sara Goldberger; Anita Shaft; Rachel Kennedy; Aly Rice Journal: J Psychosoc Oncol Date: 2020-05-05