Publications [#272697] of Bernard F. Fuemmeler

Papers Published

1. Fuemmeler, BF; Mullins, LL; Marx, BP (2001). Posttraumatic stress and general distress among parents of children surviving a brain tumor. Children'S Health Care, 30(3), 169-182. [doi]
   (last updated on 2019/02/13)

   Abstract:
   In this preliminary study we examined both posttraumatic stress and general distress among parents of children diagnosed with a brain tumor. Participants included 28 parents of children diagnosed with a brain tumor who completed self-report measures of posttraumatic stress, general distress, coping, and illness uncertainty. Findings revealed that participants reported high levels of posttraumatic stress and general distress. Greater levels of emotion-focused coping and perceived uncertainty were associated with a higher frequency of both posttraumatic stress symptoms and general distress. However, perceived uncertainty was the strongest predictor of both indexes of distress. Emotion-focused coping predicted general distress, but not posttraumatic stress symptom severity. Overall, parents of children surviving a brain tumor appear to be a risk for both posttraumatic stress and general distress. Uncertainty in illness may constitute a primary risk factor for adjustment problems.