Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to examine the variables related to leukemia treatment with age, gender, and perceived parental attitudes that may affect adolescent leukemia survivors’ peer relations, social support, and self-esteem when they return to school.

Materials and Methods: ALL and AML survivors between 12-17 years of age were recruited if they completed treatment (in remission) and are schooling. Participants’ treatment duration is 1 to 2 years. Some survivors are treated with cranial radiation, but none have a bone marrow transplant. Dependent variables were obtained from, The Parent Attitude Scale, Self-Esteem Rating Scale-Short Form, Peer Relations Scale, and Social Support Assessing Scale for Children and Adolescents.

Results: The female participants had more negative self-esteem, received less support from their teachers, less trust and identification, and commitment to peers, and received their fathers more autocratic than male participants. The results show that none of the leukemia-related variables (leukemia type, duration of treatment, duration of schooling, and receiving radiation treatment) differ through self-esteem, peer relations, and perceived social support. The results also show that the perception of the father as authoritative, lower teacher support, and lower commitment to peers could predict self-esteem.

Conclusion: The study’s findings might point out that not only do leukemia treatment characteristics affect social functioning. Perceived authoritarian parenting, teacher support, and peer relations such as commitment are essential, especially in self-esteem.