Abstract

NUNES, Sandra et al. Internalizing and externalizing problems in pediatric cancer. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2020, vol.21, n.3, pp.920-934.  Epub Dec 31, 2020. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/20psd210331.

Despite scientific and technological advances that have led to improvements in treatment conditions and increased survival, many studies suggest that pediatric cancer may trigger internalizing and externalizing problems in patients. Paradoxically, however, other studies have concluded that there are no significant differences in psychological functioning between children with cancer compared to a control group. The present study investigated: i) if the group of children undergoing cancer treatment (GTC) would differ from the control group (CG) in terms of emotional/behavioral problems, ii) if internalizing problems would be more prevalent, iii) the effects of age, gender, time since diagnosis, type of cancer, and type of treatment for these problems. 98 subjects participated (GTC = 49 / GC = 49). We concluded that GTC has more internalizing problems than CG and that pediatric cancer patients have more internalizing than externalizing problems. Girls had more anxiety/depression problems. There was an effect of diagnosis time on somatic complaints and cancer type on internalization problems. Patients undergoing surgery have higher levels of aggressiveness compared to other treatments.

Keywords : Pediatric patients; cancer; internalization problems; externalization problems.

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