Procedure
Participants were from a pilot study and a multisite study in which both
assessed, coping, communication, and adjustment in families of children
with cancer from diagnosis to five years post-diagnosis. Following
approval from the Institutional Review Board, eligible participants were
selected from cancer registries and recruited by research staff at two
large pediatric hospitals in the United States (one in the Midwest, one
in the Southeast). Participants were recruited following either an
initial cancer diagnosis or relapse. Parents were provided with
information about the study and gave their written consent for
participation. Children also gave their written consent or assent (for
ages 10-17). Paper and pencil surveys were then completed at their
convenience. After finishing the surveys at initial diagnosis (T1),
families were contacted for follow-up assessments at one (T2), three
(T3), and five years (T4) post diagnosis or relapse [17]. The
families were compensated for their time at each assessment.