Social skills interventions for survivors of pediatric brain tumors: A review and reformulation

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2018 Dec;65(12):e27434. doi: 10.1002/pbc.27434. Epub 2018 Aug 29.

Abstract

Youth with brain tumors are at risk for late effects. Families report that survivors' difficulties with peer relationships are among the most distressing and impactful on quality of life. As such, interventions have been designed to improve social functioning. The objective was to review the nine published social skills intervention studies for survivors of brain tumors with regard to study design, participation rates, skills targeted, assessment measures, and outcomes. Results of this review were used to discuss future directions, with a focus on alternative approaches to inclusion criteria (including developmental considerations and screening for weaknesses), intervention timing and modality.

Keywords: brain tumors; intervention; pediatric; social functioning; social skills; survivors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Brain Neoplasms*
  • Cancer Survivors / psychology*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Social Adjustment*
  • Social Skills*