A controlled study of peer relationships of children surviving brain tumors: Teacher, peer, and self ratings

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the behavioral reputation and peer acceptance of children diagnosed and treated for brain tumors. Method: Twenty-eight children surviving brain tumors (8-18 years of age) were compared to 28 nonchronically ill, same classroom, same gender comparison peers (COMP). Peer, teacher, and self-report data were collected. Results: Relative to COMP, children who had been diagnosed with brain tumors received fewer friendship nominations from classmates and were described by peer, teacher, and self-report as socially isolated. Although they were no longer receiving therapy for their disease, peers perceived brain tumor survivors as being sick, more fatigued, and often absent from school. Conclusions: These data suggest that children surviving brain tumors are at risk for social difficulties even after treatment ends, although the specific cause(s) for this vulnerability were not investigated in the current study.