Abstract
To explore the relationship between PTSD and trauma-spectrum symptoms, including personality and functional correlates, in long term pediatric cancer survivors (N = 40), we assessed these constructs with a structured interview for PTSD, a clinical interview, and self-report questionnaires. Thirty-five out of 40 participants (88%) currently met at least one trauma symptom at a functionally significant level. These survivors demonstrate high levels of restraint and low levels of distress, representative of a repressive adaptive style. After more than 5 years since treatment completion, the relatively high levels of current trauma-spectrum symptoms may reflect the long-term deleterious impact of childhood cancer.
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Erickson, S.J., Steiner, H. Trauma and Personality Correlates in Long Term Pediatric Cancer Survivors. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 31, 195–213 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026477321319
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026477321319