Psychosocial Interventions: A Cognitive Behavioral Approach

In childhood cancer, the stresses for the child, the parents and other family members, are severe. For the child, there is the threat to physical integrity, safety, security, and above all, to life. For the parents, there is the threat of losing the child. Research so far has shown that stress reactions are common, but psychopathological disturbances are rarely found in children with cancer or their parents. From this we conclude that most children and parents use coping strategies that protect them from developing psychopathology. In organizing support for families with a child with cancer, much can be learned from children's and parents' cognitions, perceptions and reactions. When problems of adjustment arise, a thorough analysis of how children and parents perceive their situation, as well as an extensive analysis of their coping efforts, is necessary to direct effective supportive actions. Based on a cognitive-behavioral approach a psychosocial support model is outlined which can be helpful in interpreting these emotions and coping strategies.