The factor structure of traumatic stress in parents of children with cancer: a longitudinal analysis*.

Authors :: Cernvall M
Alaie I
von Essen L
Source :: Journal of pediatric psychology [J Pediatr Psychol] 2012 May; Vol. 37 (4), pp. 448-57. Date of Electronic Publication: 2011 Dec 13.
Publication Year :: 2012
Abstract: Objectives: To determine the factor structure of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and assess its stability over time among parents of children diagnosed with cancer.<br />Methods: Parents of children with cancer included in a longitudinal study completed the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Checklist-Civilian Version 2 weeks (n = 249) and 2 (n = 234) and 4 (n = 203) months after their child's diagnosis. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to assess 3 models of the underlying dimensions of PTSD and invariance tests were used to assess stability over time.<br />Results: A longitudinal CFA with the factors reexperiencing, avoidance, dysphoria, and hyperarousal provided best fit to the data. Invariance testing suggested that the pattern and size of loadings were equivalent across the three assessments. Discussions Findings tentatively suggest that PTSS among parents of children with cancer consist of four factors. Implications for research and clinical practice are discussed.

Subjects :: Adolescent
Adult
Child
Child, Preschool
Factor Analysis, Statistical
Female
Humans
Infant
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Parent-Child Relations
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic psychology
Neoplasms psychology
Parents psychology
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic diagnosis
Stress, Psychological psychology

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