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The article comments on the result of a study which identifies the psychosocial function of children and adolescents with cancer and other severe chronic illnesses. The author detailed the proposal for a theoretical rationale that could identify the psychopathology or dysfunction of children exposed with major challenges and trauma. It is believed that the cancer experience may have a subclinical impact on multiple domains of a child's life and could possibly change development trajectories.

Objective To examine post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and disorder (PTSD) among survivors of childhood cancer and comparison peers during the transition to emerging adulthood. Method From elementary and middle school, we prospectively followed a cohort of 56 cancer survivors, 60 comparison peers, and their parents. Assessments were completed after the youth's 18th birthday using questionnaires and a semi-structured psychiatric interview. Healthcare providers rated treatment severity and late effects. Results Survivors and comparison peers did not differ on rates of PTSS or PTSD, but comparison peers reported more dissociative experiences than survivors. Late effects were associated with a greater number of past PTSS. Of the 16 cancer survivors who reported a traumatic event, five (31%) were cancer-related. Conclusions Levels of PTSS were similar for survivors and comparison peers. Research with other potentially traumatic diseases or treatments (e.g., amputations, brain tumors) is needed. The role of methodology and contextual factors in the assessment of PTSS/PTSD is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The objectives of this study were (a) to assess negative affectivity and posttraumatic symptomatology in mothers following the diagnosis of cancer in their children; (b) to examine sociodemographic and psychosocial variables associated with change in distress over time; and (c) to identify distinct subgroups of mothers whose patterns and trajectories of adjustment can be distinguished according to available predictor data. Methods Two hundred and twelve mothers at seven sites were assessed just following their child's diagnosis, and again 3 months and 6 months later. Primary outcomes included measures of mood disturbance, depressive symptoms, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress. Results Overall, mothers demonstrated a pattern of mildly elevated negative affectivity and posttraumatic symptomatology initially, with steady improvements evident at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Distinct adjustment trajectories were evident within the sample as a whole, indicating subgroups of mothers with high-declining, moderate-stable, and low-stable distress levels. Conclusions These findings highlight considerable resilience among mothers facing the stress of childhood cancer. Intervention efforts aimed at reducing maternal distress might best be targeted towards the subgroup of mothers who may be predicted to exhibit the highest level of distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on health-related quality of life after pediatric heart or heart-lung transplantation. Assessments were completed at 12 and 24 months using standardized measures, with information obtained from the medical record, children, parents, and teachers. Findings were interpreted to suggest that a significant minority of children and adolescents post-transplant experience cognitive and behavioral problems, with younger children being the most vulnerable to cognitive declines, and a pattern of increasing behavioral difficulties at home contrasting with a decline in behavioral difficulties at school.

Mothers of children with cancer experience significant distress associated with their children's diagnosis and treatment. The efficacy of problem-solving skills training (PSST), a cognitive-behavioral intervention based on problem-solving therapy, was assessed among 430 English- and Spanish-speaking mothers of recently diagnosed patients. Participants were randomized to usual psychosocial care (UPC; n = 213) or UPC plus 8 sessions of PSST (PSST; n = 217). Compared with UPC mothers, PSST mothers reported significantly enhanced problem-solving skills and significantly decreased negative affectivity. Although effects were largest immediately after PSST, several differences in problem-solving skills and distress levels persisted to the 3-month follow-up. In general, efficacy for Spanish-speaking mothers exceeded that for English-speaking mothers. Findings also suggest young, single mothers profit most from PSST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the universal and understandable distress associated with the death of a child from pediatric illness, do psychologists help surviving families in ways that match their need for assistance? Many families do not seek psychological help and cope adaptively with their loss. Indications for psychotherapy with bereaved families are based largely on experience with families who engage in treatment and who have greater distress. Other families may not receive sufficient services but are at risk for ongoing difficulties and unlikely to engage in treatment. Suggestions for intervention are made, with attention to the fit of therapeutic approaches with family needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Most children diagnosed as having leukemia become research subjects in randomized clinical trials (RCTs), but little is known about how randomization is explained to or understood by parents. Objective: To investigate physicians' explanation and parental understanding of randomization in childhood leukemia RCTs. Design and Setting: A multisite study of the informed consent communication process for RCTs of childhood leukemia. Consecutive cases were recruited from pediatric oncology inpatient wards at 6 US children's hospitals associated with major academic medical centers from July 1, 1999, until December 31, 2001. The informed consent conferences were observed and audiotaped, and the information obtained was coded and analyzed. Parents were interviewed shortly after the conference to ascertain their understanding. Participants: Parents and members of the health care team who participated in 137 informed consent conferences for children with newly diagnosed acute leukemia. Main Outcome Measures: Observed explanations of randomization and parental understanding of randomization after the consent conference. Results: Randomization was explained by physicians in 83% of cases and a consent document was presented during the conference in 95% of cases. Interviews after the conference demonstrated that 68 (50%) of 137 parents did not understand randomization. Parents of racial minority and lower socioeconomic status were less likely to understand randomization (P<.001 for each). Discussion of specific clinical trial details and the presence of a nurse during the conference were associated with understanding. Eighty-four percent of children were enrolled in a leukemia trial. Conclusions: Despite oral and written explanation, half of the parents in this study did not understand randomization for childhood leukemia trials. To make informed consent more effective, future research must seek to improve communication during this critical interchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the results of a study on peer relationships and the emotional well-being of children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Relationship between the severity of SCD and the child's functioning; Relationship between status with peers and the child's feeling about self; Differences in the treatment of boys and girls with SCD.

The prognosis for infants diagnosed with cancer before the age of 12 months continues to be generally dismal. Consequently, these babies receive very aggressive treatment and regularly endure many events that cause distress. This study followed a cohort of six infants diagnosed with cancer from the onset of treatment utilizing repeated assessments of cognitive and motor development. The purpose of the study was to evaluate systematically the impact of stressful life events and the protective effects of parents' remaining with their children during repeated hospitalizations, Across lengthy and aggressive treatments with chemotherapy, these infants demonstrated no signs of developmental lags or abnormalities, and parents reported generally positive effects for their marriages when remaining in the hospital with their baby. Results are discussed within a framework of coping with stressful life events and the protective effects for infants associated with encouraging parents to remain with their sick children as much as possible during hospitalizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A therapist's search for the best treatment for an enuretic child is utilized as a microcosm for the stresses and contradictions found in our present professional/scientific clinical literature. Family therapy, play therapy and behavior modification were employed in a single case, yet the extinction of the symptoms resulted from following the child's own treatment plan. These results were explained as partly clue to volitional and philosophical factors generally overlooked in the child therapy literature. The authors suggest that the best of each treatment method be amalgamated to develop future intervention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuropsychological testing was completed 9 months after diagnosis on 42 children ages 6.5 years and older with "intermediate"-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) to determine the effects of ALL and its treatments in the first year following diagnosis. Each child was randomized to receive either 1800 cGy of central nervous system (CNS) irradiation plus intrathecal methotrexate (IT Mtx) or IT Mtx only as prophylaxis to prevent the occurrence of CNS leukemia. The groups were comparable in chronological age, socioeconomic status (SES), and sex ratio. The number of significant differences between groups was equal to what might be expected by chance alone. Covariance analysis with SES and age as covariates revealed these two variables were more related to neuropsychological status than was the CNS prophylaxis grouping. Comparison with other studies is made and implications for longitudinal follow-up are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The case of a patient with sickle cell disease is presented in which neuropsychological and magnetic resonance imaging studies were completed prior to and after a right hemispheric stroke. The contribution of a new MR perfusion technique in understanding the neurological complications in this patient is discussed. This case illustrates the complex pathophysiology of neuropsychological deficits in SCD and underscores the need to develop models that better reflect this complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives: Measuring the value-added impact of Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Related Disorders (LEND) training on trainees' leadership and career trajectories is necessary to understand program efficacy. In the current study, we leveraged an existing ex post facto design to develop and test a new measure of LEND competencies and compare outcomes of LEND trainees and comparison peers. Methods: We developed the LEND Outcomes Follow-Up Survey using a multi-step, mixed methods process. A series of focus groups and consultations with key stakeholders identified eight important LEND leadership outcomes: (1) interdisciplinary work; (2) advocacy; (3) intersectional approach; (4) systems perspective; (5) life course perspective; (6) leadership; (7) engagement with maternal and child health populations; and (8) research experience. We developed and piloted this novel survey to measure these LEND leadership outcomes. We used data collected from this novel measure and an existing survey that is used nationally by LEND, to compare the outcomes of 43 LEND trainees and 30 comparison peers at two years post completion of LEND training. Results: We found that, compared to comparison peers, LEND trainees: (1) worked with a greater number of disciplines; (2) were more likely to be engaged in advocacy; (3) were more likely to utilize a systems perspective in their work; (4) were more likely to work with maternal and child health populations; and (5) were more likely to have experience conducting research. Conclusions: Our findings suggested that LEND training improves LEND leadership outcomes at two years post-completion of LEND training. Significance: As federally funded training programs, LEND programs must provide rigorous evidence for program efficacy. This study leveraged an existing, multi-site study design to develop and test a novel survey designed to assess group differences in knowledge, attitudes, and skills related to LEND core competencies in a cohort of LEND trainees and matched comparison peers. Findings suggest that LEND trainees had significantly better leadership outcomes than comparison peers. This study adds to the body of literature that suggests that LEND training is efficacious and that our design can be successfully leveraged to test outcomes two years after completion of LEND training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a response by William M. Bukowski, Robert B. Noll, Caroline Fung and David E. Sandberg to a letter to the editor about their article "Height and Social Adjustment: Are Extremes a Cause for Concern and Action?" in a 2004 issue.

Objective: To examine aggression, antisocial behavior, and substance abuse in young adult survivors of pediatric cancer (PCS) relative to case control peers (CC). Methods: We obtained self-reports of current aggression, antisocial behavior, and lifetime substance use from 26 PCS (time off-treatment, M = 56 months) and 26 CC using the Antisocial Behavior Checklist and the Drinking and Drug History. A report of current aggression and antisocial behavior also was obtained from primary caregivers using the Child Behavior Checklist. Results: PCS self-reported significantly less illegal drug use and experimentation than CC. No significant differences emerged between groups for use of alcohol and tobacco nor for aggression and antisocial behavior. Conclusions: PCS are functioning as well as, or better than, CC in terms of aggression, antisocial behavior, and substance abuse. However, given the compromised health status of survivors, efforts should focus on further reduction of drug-related risk behaviors that may amplify organ damage or increase risk for further malignancies in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Assessing the impact of interdisciplinary training programs is highly desirable and needed. However, there are currently no established methods to prospectively assess long-term outcomes of trainees compared to individuals who did not receive training. Our objective was to test the feasibility of a longitudinal, prospective cohort design to evaluate training outcomes, and to use this method to evaluate Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Related Disorders (LEND) training outcomes. Methods: LEND trainees were matched to comparison peers and followed annually for up to five years using a pre-existing outcomes survey. We assessed study feasibility using recruitment and retention data over five years. We then looked at preliminary efficacy of LEND training in LEND trainees compared to comparison peers using the pre-existing outcomes survey. Results: Overall, 68.3% of eligible trainees participated in the Outcomes Study across five years, and 66.0% were matched to comparison peers. On average, 84.4% of LEND trainees and 79.9% of comparison peers completed the outcomes survey annually. Attrition was low at 0.9% for LEND trainees and 2.6% for comparison peers over five years. LEND training demonstrated preliminary efficacy in promoting leadership development: LEND trainees began their careers engaged in more leadership activities than comparison peers, and the rate of growth in their participation in leadership activities was greater. Conclusions: The design used to assess outcomes is a feasible approach that can be widely used to assess training program outcomes. Analyses suggest that LEND training is efficacious in increasing involvement in leadership activities over time after graduation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Young adults with cancer face many different stressors due to a diagnosis of cancer during a unique developmental period. Interventions are needed to address their needs and help better manage distress. Bright IDEAS is a problem-solving skills-training program that has shown to improve people's problem-solving abilities and reduce the negative affect on caregivers of children with cancer. This study aimed to evaluate if an adapted version of Bright IDEAS was feasible and acceptable to young adults with cancer. Forty young adults recently diagnosed with cancer were enrolled. The results suggested that young adults were satisfied with Bright IDEAS and supported the potential impact to improve problem-solving skills and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Background: Young adults with cancer are a vulnerable group with unique emotional, social, and practical needs. There is a lack of evidence-based interventions to address their needs and to foster skills that could increase their capacity to cope. Bright IDEAS is a problem-solving skills training intervention that has demonstrated efficacy in improving people's problem-solving ability and reducing distress among caregivers of children with cancer. This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of Bright IDEAS adapted for young adults (Bright IDEAS-YA). Methods: Forty young adults recently diagnosed with cancer were enrolled in a single arm feasibility study. Results: Feasibility was demonstrated by the adequate enrollment (67.8%), retention (80.0%), and participants' adherence to the intervention (average of 5.2 out of 6 sessions completed). Participants reported satisfaction with the intervention. Qualitative feedback identified the systematic approach to problem-solving and interaction with the trainer as strengths of the intervention. Participants demonstrated improvements in problem-solving skills and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Conclusions: In conclusion, the results support the feasibility of the intervention and an adequately powered randomized controlled trial is needed to determine the efficacy of the intervention on psychosocial outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relatively little research has investigated the impact of parental cancer on developmental outcomes for school-aged children beyond the home. The current study was designed to examine the impact of maternal breast cancer on the social behavior, peer acceptance, and friendships of children and adolescents at school. It was hypothesized that children of women with breast cancer would have fewer friends and be viewed by peers, teachers, and themselves as more socially isolated than comparison classmates. A sample of 60 school-aged children (age 8–16) of women with breast cancer, 58 teachers, and 1138 classmates provided data in classroom settings. Comparisons were made between children in the maternal cancer sample and 60 classmates matched for gender, race, and age. No overall group differences were found on indicators of peer acceptance or friendships at school. Although marked behavioral similarities were found between groups, analyses indicated that sons, but not daughters, of mothers with breast cancer were seen by teachers and peers as more socially sensitive and isolated than comparison peers. Further research is warranted to confirm findings that sons of mothers with breast cancer may experience social isolation and to examine the stability and consequences of this behavioral pattern. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: It can be difficult to explain pediatric phase 1 oncology trials to families of children with refractory cancer. Parents may misunderstand the information presented to them, and physicians may assume that certain topics are covered in the informed consent document and need not be discussed. Communication models can help to ensure effective discussions. METHODS: Suggestions for improving the informed consent process were first solicited from phase 1 study clinicians via questionnaire. Eight parents who had enrolled their child on a phase 1 pediatric oncology trial were recruited for an advisory group designed to assess the clinicians' suggestions and make additional recommendations for improving informed consent for pediatric phase 1 trials. RESULTS: A phase 1 communication model was designed to incorporate the suggestions of clinicians and families. It focused on educating parents/families about phase 1 trials at specific time points during a child's illness, but specifically at the point of disease recurrence. An informative phase 1 fact sheet that can be distributed to families was also presented. CONCLUSIONS: Families who will be offered information regarding phase 1 clinical trials can first receive a standardized fact sheet explaining the general purpose of these earlyphase clinical trials. Parental understanding may be enhanced further when oncologists address key themes, beginning at the time of diagnosis and continuing through important decision points during the child's illness. This model should be prospectively evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To provide one of the first prospective reports examining neuropsychological outcomes for children treated with 1800 cGy whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) and prophylactic chemotherapy versus prophylactic chemotherapy alone for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Acute and long-term neuropsychological toxicities associated with WBRT are compared. Methods This multisite study included 188 children, ages 4-21 years at enrollment, who were assessed with standardized neuropsychological tests at 9, 21, and 48 months after diagnosis with intermediate risk ALL. All participating children were receiving treatment on a parent study CCG105. Results Verbal intelligence (VIQ) scores for children receiving WBRT was significantly lower than VIQ for prophylactic chemotherapy at the 48-month time point ( p < 0.05). A significant cross-level interaction between time since diagnosis and treatment condition was observed ( p < 0.05). WBRT did not result in differences in PIQ; both groups of children demonstrated comparable increases in PIQ. Neuropsychological findings at 48 months after diagnosis indicated diminished performance in neuromotor, visual-motor coordination, and executive functioning for children receiving WBRT. Academic achievement was unaffected by WBRT at 4 years after diagnosis. Conclusions The measurement of verbal and performance IQ as a primary endpoint in ALL clinical trials is critical to characterizing neuropsychological late effects. A trajectory of decline in neuropsychological functioning, specifically verbal IQ, was observed. Missing data within the trial occurred at random and did not impact results observed. The impact of WBRT becomes evident at 48 months after diagnosis, suggesting the need for long-term follow-up beyond the time frame typically used in Phase III trials. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims: Central nervous system (CNS) malignancies and/or their treatment in pediatric cancer survivors are known to be associated with deficits in neuropsychological functions. We report findings from a nation-wide study of childhood cancer survivors to investigate intelligence and attention/concentration from a multi-dimensional perspective in a diverse sample from this population. Main methods: Four hundred forty-four pediatric cancer survivors between 6 and 17years of age, who had suffered CNS involvement associated with their malignancy, were evaluated. All patients completed a measure of general intelligence. Attention was measured by a continuous performance test (CPT) and by parental report using a standardized psychological inventory. Key findings: Social economic status (SES) was a significant predictor of intellectual functioning and scores on independent measures of attention. After controlling for SES, cranial radiation therapy (CRT) was strongly predictive of impairments in intellectual functioning. Patients who had completed a transplant procedure did not have significant impairments in intellectual functioning when compared to other participants. CPT performance was most clearly influenced by a younger age at diagnosis and the presence of a supratentorial brain tumor. Reaction time was lower in patients who had received CRT. Gender did not correlate with CPT performance, but caregiver reports of deficits in attentional functioning were more prevalent in girls compared to boys. Significance: These findings are important given the large, representative sample and multi-dimensional assessment of attentional functioning. The presence of a very strong SES effect on all dependent variables must be addressed in studies of this nature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this cross-sectional study, we compared levels of adaptive functioning and examined potential correlates of adaptive functioning in 18 pediatric intestine ( ITX) and 22 liver ( LTX) recipients transplanted between June 2003 and March 2009. Family caregivers completed the ABAS- II scale and provided socio-demographic information regarding recipients' age at transplantation, gender, ethnicity, time since transplantation, and caregivers' role, ethnicity, education, and family income. Overall adaptive functioning and all three adaptive functioning subdomain scores were significantly lower in ITX patients compared with LTX patients (p ≤ 0.04) and compared with the general population normative mean (p ≤ 0.003). Significant correlates of adaptive functioning after abdominal transplant included type of transplant procedure ( r = −0.4, p = 0.02), gender ( r = 0.4, p = 0.01), and educational level of caregiver ( r = 0.5, p = 0.003) and together explained 45% of the variance in overall adaptive functioning. Findings provide new information regarding everyday functioning outcomes of ITX patients, add to existing data regarding non-medical outcomes for LTX patients, and highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and intervention following transplantation to enhance outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined whether children's social behavior mediated the associations between specific dimensions of temperament and peer acceptance, and whether these associations were moderated by gender. We also explored the role of child's age on the associations between temperament and social functioning. Primary caregiver reports of temperament and peer reports of social behavior and peer acceptance were obtained for 140 boys and 135 girls (8-16 years, M = 11.9) from 275 different classrooms. Dimensions of temperament reflecting general activity, flexibility-rigidity, and attentional focus were found to be particularly important to children's social functioning at school, and their associations with peer acceptance were found to be significantly mediated by social behaviors. Additionally, we found that while linkages between dimensions of temperament and social acceptance were present for boys and girls, the pathways (mediators) were often different. Our exploratory analyses suggested that linkages between temperament and social functioning are strong for younger children, but less so for older youth. Findings are discussed in the context of their implications for theory and clinical applications, emphasizing the importance of considering gender differences in the contributions of temperament to social functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult mood disturbances are highly correlated with obesity, although little is known about the developmental relationship between mood disorders and weight. This study investigated the relationship between childhood psychopathology and weight over the course of 3 years. Body Mass Index (BMI) percentiles and demographic data of children (ages 8–18) with depression ( n = 143) or anxiety ( n = 43) were compared to healthy controls ( n = 99). Both childhood depression ( χ2 = 4.6, p = 0.03) and anxiety ( χ2 = 6.0, p = 0.01) were associated with increased BMI percentiles. Compared to controls, BMI percentiles of depressed females over the course of the study differed profoundly ( χ2 = 7.0, p = 0.01) and BMI percentiles of anxious females approached significance ( χ2 = 3.7, p = 0.06). Males with anxiety showed a greater trend towards overweight ( χ2 = 3.3, p = 0.07) in comparison to controls. The major finding that depression and anxiety are associated with increased BMI percentiles in a non-obese sample suggests that childhood psychopathology is an important factor that should be carefully monitored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This prospective study examines family predictors of distress among survivors of childhood cancer and comparison peers during the transition to emerging adulthood. Children with cancer (n = 55), comparison peers (n = 60), and parents completed measures of distress, family environment, social support, and demographic characteristics during initial treatment, as well as follow-up measures of young adult distress and demographic characteristics soon after participants turned 18 years old. Severity of initial treatment and late effects were rated by healthcare providers for participants with cancer. For all participants, mother and father report of initial parent distress was associated with their report of young adult distress at follow-up. Young adult gender moderated this association. For survivors of childhood cancer, severity of initial treatment and late effects also moderated the association between parent and young adult distress. Improving parent distress may help reduce child distress in general. For survivors specifically, ameliorating the impact of initial treatment and long-term physical problems may be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective.— To use a case–control design to evaluate the emotional and behavioral functioning of children with migraine. Background.— Research has indicated that children with migraine are at increased risk for emotional and behavioral problems such as depression and anxiety; however, methodological limitations in sample definitions, measurement strategies, and comparison groups remain problematic. Method.— Forty-seven participants diagnosed with migraine at a pediatric headache center participated in a home-based study of child functioning using standardized measures. Mothers and fathers of these children participated, as did control families recruited from among classmates. Results.— Indications of increased emotional and behavioral difficulties for children with migraine were found, primarily from the perspective of mothers. Exploratory analyses found several associations between mother and child perceptions of difficulties and persistence of headache symptoms following initiation of multidisciplinary headache treatment. Conclusions.— Continued concern regarding emotional well-being of children with migraine is warranted, but more work is needed to understand the differing perspectives of family members. Particular attention to emotional well-being is needed for children whose headache symptoms persist despite multidisciplinary treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Survivors of childhood cancer whose malignancy and/or treatment involved the central nervous system may demonstrate a consistent pattern of neurocognitive deficits. The present study evaluated a randomized clinical trial of the Cognitive Remediation Program (CRP). Participants were 6-to 17-year-old survivors of childhood cancer (N = 161; 35% female, 18% Hispanic, 10% African American, 64% Caucasian, 8% other) who were at least 1 year off treatment and who manifested an attentional deficit. They were enrolled at 7 sites nationwide. Two thirds of the participants were randomly assigned to cognitive remediation. All participants were assessed using a battery of academic achievement/neurocognitive tests and parent/teacher measures of attention. The CRP resulted in parent report of improved attention and statistically significant increases in academic achievement. Effect sizes were modest but were comparable with those for other clinical trials of brain injury rehabilitation and for psychological interventions in general. The CRP is presented as a potentially beneficial treatment for many survivors of pediatric cancer. Long-term clinical significance remains unproven. Further work is needed to improve effect sizes and treatment compliance and to address the needs of other populations with pediatric brain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of the About Your Child’s Eating (AYCE) inventory with 763 parents. Parent subjects were drawn from a community study of families with physically healthy and chronically ill children between 8 and 16 years of age. Three correlated factors were identified: Child Resistance to Eating, Positive Mealtime Environment, and Parent Aversion to Mealtime. The internal consistency of the factors remained satisfactory across all examined demographic subgroups. Evidence for convergent validity was found by comparing the AYCE factors to higher order factors of the Family Environment Scale. Empirically derived clinical range cut-off scores are presented. Results support the AYCE as a psychometrically sound measure of the parent–child feeding relationship for school-aged children. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Using procedures identical to a study published 10 years earlier, parents of 49 children with cancer (48 mothers, 33 fathers) and 49 healthy classmates (49 mothers, 29 fathers) completed measures of adjustment an average of 18 months (SD = 7.4) postdiagnosis. Between-group differences were converted to effect sizes for each study and compared to assess replication. Mothers of children with cancer reported significantly more anxiety, less family conflict, and more social support than controls. Fathers did not differ between groups. Effect sizes were small for most comparisons of parental distress, family environment, and social support. Social support had little effect on distress. Despite the 10-year gap between studies, agreement on group differences was high, especially when evaluating effect sizes (94%) in addition to significance testing (67%). Parents of children with cancer exhibited significant resilience during treatment. Direct study replication and effect size comparisons may have some advantages when used in conjunction with significance testing. Future replications and meta-analytic work may be helpful in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the measurement of peer perceptions of behavioral reputation within the contexts of elementary, middle, and high school environments (Grades 2-12, N = 2,812) through the systematic evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Revised Class Play (A. S. Masten, P. Morison, & D. S. Pellegrini, 1985). Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that the data did not fit A. S. Masten et al.'s original 3-factor structure. Cross-loading of items and different patterns of association between subscales across age groups (elementary, middle, and high school) contributed to the overall poor fit. Exploratory factor analyses revealed an alternative 4-factor structure as a more reliable and valid means of assessing behavioral reputation regardless of the age of the peer group sampled. Both convergent and divergent patterns of associations emerged across developmental levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]