Abstract

Age and gender have been purported as important variables in predicting the outcome of children diagnosed with leukemia. This study examines the relationship between age and gender as predictors of functional status in children following the completion of the induction phase of their treatment (i.e., approximately 5-weeks following their diagnosis) for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Prior to analyses, it was asserted that boys and girls would indicate unique experiences of perceived pain intensity and would yield significant differences in functional status scores as measured by the children’s parents. A sample of 50 boys (N=33) and girls (N=17) between the ages of 4 to 17 years, who were diagnosed with ALL, were examined for correlations between functional status and age. Furthermore, a model for perceived pain intensity as a potential mediator between age, gender, and functional status is offered. Results indicate that age was significantly correlated and predictive of functional status and that boys were significantly higher in functional status scores. Exploratory analyses were performed, highlighting the need for future research in this area.

LLU Discipline

Experimental Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

Graduate School

First Advisor

Janet Sonne

Second Advisor

Elizabeth A. Bossert

Third Advisor

John Flora-Tostado

Fourth Advisor

Lois Van Cleve

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Degree Level

M.A.

Year Degree Awarded

2004

Date (Title Page)

6-2004

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Acute -- psychology; Pain; Age Factors; Leukemia -- in infancy & childhood.

Type

Thesis

Page Count

ix; 57

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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