Executive function, coping, and behavior in survivors of childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the role of executive function in coping and behavioral outcomes in childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) survivors.


METHODS
We examined associations among several domains of executive function (working memory, behavioral inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and self-monitoring), coping, and emotional/behavioral problems in 30 children and adolescents ages 10- to 20-years old who completed treatment for ALL and 30 healthy controls matched on age and sex.


RESULTS
We found partial support for our hypothesis that performance on executive function measures is associated with strategies used to cope with stress, and emotional and behavioral problems in ALL survivors.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest that executive function impairment may be associated with difficulties in coping and emotion regulation in a subgroup of children treated for ALL. Directions for future research on executive function deficits and coping skills in survivors of pediatric ALL are suggested.
Campbell
Laura K
LK
Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia Health System, P.O. Box 800223, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0223, USA. lkc3h@virginia.edu
Scaduto
Mary
M
Van Slyke
Deborah
D
Niarhos
Frances
F
Whitlock
James A
JA
Compas
Bruce E
BE
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D003071:Cognition; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology*; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult