Profiles of Family Functioning in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Patients: Longitudinal Associations with Child Well-Being

Author

Sydney SumrallFollow

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/7B2S-K481

Defense Date

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Marcia Winter

Second Advisor

Dr. Jennifer Rohan

Third Advisor

Dr. Rosalie Corona

Abstract

This study aims to assess 1) patterns of family functioning and 2) longitudinal associations between family functioning patterns and well-being in a vulnerable cohort of children with chronic illness. Caregivers of hematology (16.4%) and oncology (83.6%) patients ages 7-20 (N=55; M_age = 13.3 [SD = 2.7]; 52.7% female; 45.5% non-Latinx White, 38.2% Black or African American, 12.7% Latinx, 1.8% Asian, and 1.8% multi-racial,) reported on family functioning via the Family Assessment Device. Cluster analyses identified three mutually exclusive clusters: one high adaptive group, one moderate adaptive group, and one maladaptive group. Group membership was not significantly associated with child psychological distress or quality of life. Results provide insight into family processes for children with a blood disorder or cancer and offer direction for future work that aims to identify predictors of resilience in this population.

Rights

© Sydney Sumrall

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

5-9-2023