title: Evaluation of a child's perceived self-competence during treatment for cancer.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of self-hypnosis on the perceived self-competence of children undergoing treatment for cancer and to determine longitudinal differences in perception of self-competence over time. Twenty-two children were randomized into an experimental group (taught self-hypnosis) and a control group (given standard care). Data were collected using the Harter Perceived Self-Competence Profile (HPSCP) during four courses of chemotherapy. A decrease in mean scores for the control group was found compared with the hypnosis group, which showed an increase in mean scores in five of six domains. Both groups showed a statistically significant increase in the scholastic cognitive domain and social acceptance domain from the time of diagnosis compared with the second test period. Ten children had a visible physical disability. These children were found to have significant decreases in the domains of athletic competence, social acceptance, and global self-worth. Decreases remained significant throughout all test periods in the athletic competence domain for the children with a visible physical disability. This study is unique in that the researchers evaluated children's perception of self-competence over time. These findings support previous studies and identify the need for nurses to become actively involved in helping children develop effective coping skills during chemotherapy for cancer.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Hockenberry-Eaton
authors.forename: P H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Cotanch
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001346:Autosuggestion; D001828:Body Image; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006990:Hypnosis; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D011581:Psychological Tests; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012649:Self Concept