OBJECTIVE: This study sought to identify possible associations between maternal coping and depression and subsequent mother-child communication about cancer following the child's diagnosis. METHOD: Mothers (N = 100) reported on coping and depressive symptoms shortly after the child's diagnosis (M = 1.9 months). Subsequently, we observed children (age 5-17 years; M = 10.2 years; 48% female; 81% White) and mothers discussing cancer and coded maternal communication. RESULTS: Higher primary and secondary control coping, and lower depressive symptoms, were generally correlated with more positive, and less harsh and withdrawn communication. In regression models, higher primary control coping (i.e., coping efforts to change the stressor or one's emotional reaction to the stressor) independently predicted less withdrawn communication, and depressive symptoms mediated relations between coping and harsh communication. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal primary control coping and depressive symptoms predict mothers' subsequent harsh and withdrawn communication about cancer.
OBJECTIVE: This study sought to identify possible associations between maternal coping and depression and subsequent mother-child communication about cancer following the child's diagnosis. METHOD: Mothers (N = 100) reported on coping and depressive symptoms shortly after the child's diagnosis (M = 1.9 months). Subsequently, we observed children (age 5-17 years; M = 10.2 years; 48% female; 81% White) and mothers discussing cancer and coded maternal communication. RESULTS: Higher primary and secondary control coping, and lower depressive symptoms, were generally correlated with more positive, and less harsh and withdrawn communication. In regression models, higher primary control coping (i.e., coping efforts to change the stressor or one's emotional reaction to the stressor) independently predicted less withdrawn communication, and depressive symptoms mediated relations between coping and harsh communication. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal primary control coping and depressive symptoms predict mothers' subsequent harsh and withdrawn communication about cancer.
Authors: Bruce E Compas; Leandra Desjardins; Kathryn Vannatta; Tammi Young-Saleme; Erin M Rodriguez; Madeleine Dunn; Heather Bemis; Sarah Snyder; Cynthia A Gerhardt Journal: Health Psychol Date: 2014-08 Impact factor: 4.267
Authors: Rebecca J W Cline; Felicity W K Harper; Louis A Penner; Amy M Peterson; Jeffrey W Taub; Terrance L Albrecht Journal: Soc Sci Med Date: 2006-05-02 Impact factor: 4.634
Authors: Kemar V Prussien; Lexa K Murphy; Cynthia A Gerhardt; Kathryn Vannatta; Heather Bemis; Leandra Desjardins; Amanda C Ferrante; Emily L Shultz; Madelaine C Keim; David A Cole; Bruce E Compas Journal: J Fam Psychol Date: 2018-09-13
Authors: Jennifer D Monti; Adrien Winning; Kelly H Watson; Ellen K Williams; Cynthia A Gerhardt; Bruce E Compas; Kathryn Vannatta Journal: J Child Fam Stud Date: 2017-04-17