Developmental Status and Intimacy in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer.

Whereas aggressive multimodal therapies are responsible for improved survival rates of children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer, concern has grown regarding the potential for adverse and delayed developmental effects resulting from these treatments. In light of this concern, this study assessed 207 adult survivors of childhood cancer in terms of their resolution of developmental stage conflicts and capacity for intimacy. The research marked the first large scale study of the developmental impact of the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer on long-term survivors. Results suggest that adult survivors followed an essentially normal developmental profile. Older male long-term survivors, however, were experiencing developmental disruptions when compared to the other age and gender groups. These disruptions included a focus on short-term gratification, little investment in long-term goals, low satisfaction with life, and the belief that life has been characterized by lost opportunities. The older male survivor profile also suggests a perception of the world as unsafe and threatening, and they reported feeling distrustful and isolated. Although findings agree with prior reports of essentially normal functioning and adjustment in adult long-term survivors, older male survivors appear to be reporting developmental distress in numerous areas. (RJM)