Adolescents with Cancer: The Influence of Close Relationships o ...

Although it is evident that some null findings can indeed be attributed to a lack of statistical power given small sample sizes, a possible theory that may explain such diverse findings is the “often extreme heterogeneity of patients in terms of time since diagnosis” (Varni & Katz, 1997, p. 268). In other words, researchers often combine groups of children and adolescents who are newly diagnosed with cancer with children and adolescents under treatment for several years and long-term survivors, thus reducing the precision of findings and possibly accounting for inconsistencies reported in the extant literature.

Overall, research conducted with children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer indicates that the vast majority cope well over time (Kupst & Bingen, 2006); however, small subsamples are at risk, primarily for internalizing (e.g., anxiety and depression) types of symptoms (Vannatta & Gerhardt, 2003). Children and adolescents with cancer who are experiencing adjustment problems (e.g., internalizing symptoms) may also have subsequent difficulties negotiating peer relationships and interacting with others. Indeed, the clinical child psychology literature has documented that children who are depressed perceive themselves to be less accepted by others, view their relationships with their best friends as being of lower friendship quality, or see others’ neutral intentions as malevolent (Brendgen, Vitaro, Turgeon, & Poulin, 2002). Additionally, research has indicated that peers rate children who are depressed as being less likable and attractive, and that depressed children are more likely to need therapeutic services than nondepressed peers (e.g., Peterson, Mullins, & Ridley-Johnson, 1985).