The family: The other side of bone marrow transplantation

James R. Zabora, Elizabeth D. Smith, Frank Baker, John R. Wingard, Barbara Curbow

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

57 Scopus citations

Abstract

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) causes patients significant distress, and their families are expected to play a major role in how patients adapt during hospitalization. However, because patients have been the main focus of previous studies, little is known about how their families cope with the process. Earlier findings suggested that key elements of family functioning, such as adaptability and cohesion, change over time. Thus, the authors initiated a prospective study to examine the family as a social resource and evaluate family members’ psychological functioning. To date, families have provided data about the impact of medical informa-tion, their decision making about BMT, the physician’s influence, and their belief that treatment will be successful. Preliminary data suggest that families need education before the BMT and may need psychosocial intervention afterward. Their financial burdens also need attention.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)35-46
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Psychosocial Oncology
Volume10
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 20 1992

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Applied Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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