Exploring Relationships Between Optimism, Perceived Health Vulnerability, and Parental Attachment Among Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Pediatric Cancer

Abstract

Purpose: This exploratory study assessed adolescent and young adult (AYA) and parent perceptions of optimism, health vulnerability, and parental attachment (trust, alienation, and communication), and interrelations among these variables, in families with a history of pediatric cancer. Patients and Methods: Forty-one AYAs (20 males, 21 females, mean (M)age=16.66 years, standard deviation (SD)age=2.99) who were at least 6 months post-cancer treatment (Mtime=6.43 years, SD=5.14; Mage at diagnosis=8.64 years, SD=5.51) and their parents (76% female) completed questionnaires. Results: Paired sample t-tests indicated AYAs felt less attached to their parents than parents perceived their child to be. AYAs perceived greater alienation and poorer communication than parents reported. AYA-reported health vulnerability was marginally higher than parents' ratings. Parent-AYA dyads rated optimism and trust similarly. Using hierarchical regressions, parents' perceptions of AYA trust significantly contributed to AYA-reported trust beyond the influence of optimism. Similarly, parents' perceptions of how alienated their children felt were significantly related to AYA-reported alienation ratings beyond the influence of optimism. Conclusion: Survivors and parents differed in their perceptions of alienation and communication but rated optimism and trust similarly. Optimism and parent-reported trust and alienation may significantly contribute to AYA attachment. Implications for clinical intervention are discussed.