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Dissertation
Neuropsychological functioning and social functioning in children treated for brain tumors: evidence of nonverbal learning disability
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Nov 2000
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000517
Abstract
Pediatric brain tumors are the second leading cause of childhood cancer. Based on long-term neurobehavioral outcome research, survivors of childhood brain tumors are at risk for cognitive and psychosocial adjustment problems due to the illness (i.e., tumor location) and its treatment (i.e., whole brain radiation therapy). Although more attention has been focused on the social and emotional adjustment of children with cancer in recent decades, little research has been published that attempts to understand the link between cognitive dysfunction and social skills deficits in children treated for brain tumors. In the present study, the impact of brain tumors and their treatment on the cognitive and social functioning of 18 children and their families was assessed. As expected, comprehensive neuropsychological assessments and assessments of social function via child, parent and teacher report revealed significant deficits compared to norms consistent with nonverbal learning disability. Social function was positively related to performance on tests of visual-spatial perception. There were no differences based on degree of radiation treatment received. However, younger age at diagnosis was significantly related to poorer neuropsychological performance. Implications for intervention and future directions for research are discussed.
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Details
- Title
- Neuropsychological functioning and social functioning in children treated for brain tumors
- Creators
- Marissa Elena Carey
- Contributors
- Lamia Barakat (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- viii, 99 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology [Historical]; College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991014970332304721