Abstract
In addition to the potential for ongoing health concerns, adolescent and young adult (AYA) childhood cancer survivors frequently
report posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). The current study examines whether beliefs about health moderate the relationship
between the number of health problems and PTSS 2 months later in 140 survivors. Beliefs, as measured by scales of the Health
Competence Beliefs Inventory (HCBI), negatively related to PTSS while health problems positively related to PTSS. Three scales
of the HCBI-health perceptions, satisfaction with healthcare and cognitive competence—were significant moderators. The relationship
between health problems and PTSS was stronger in the presence of less adaptive beliefs. These beliefs represent potentially
malleable intervention targets for reducing PTSS in childhood cancer survivors.
report posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). The current study examines whether beliefs about health moderate the relationship
between the number of health problems and PTSS 2 months later in 140 survivors. Beliefs, as measured by scales of the Health
Competence Beliefs Inventory (HCBI), negatively related to PTSS while health problems positively related to PTSS. Three scales
of the HCBI-health perceptions, satisfaction with healthcare and cognitive competence—were significant moderators. The relationship
between health problems and PTSS was stronger in the presence of less adaptive beliefs. These beliefs represent potentially
malleable intervention targets for reducing PTSS in childhood cancer survivors.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10880-011-9264-1
- Authors
- Lisa A. Schwartz, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th and Civic Center Blvd., CHOP North #1484, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Anne E. Kazak, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th and Civic Center Blvd., CHOP North #1484, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Branlyn W. DeRosa, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th and Civic Center Blvd., CHOP North #1484, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Matthew C. Hocking, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th and Civic Center Blvd., CHOP North #1484, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Wendy L. Hobbie, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th and Civic Center Blvd., CHOP North #1484, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Jill P. Ginsberg, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th and Civic Center Blvd., CHOP North #1484, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Journal Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings
- Online ISSN 1573-3572
- Print ISSN 1068-9583