Longitudinal examination of family efficacy following pediatric stem cell transplant

Pediatric stem cell transplant (pSCT) is emotionally demanding for families. Yet, we know little of how the family unit responds to the adversity of pSCT within the first year after transplant. Family efficacy, an indicator of family resilience, is linked to positive parent, child, and family adjustment. Better understanding the factors that promote family efficacy during this difficult time could inform modifiable intervention targets and improve child and parent adjustment. The primary objectives were to examine patterns of family efficacy beliefs and identify factors that promote or hinder family efficacy.

Ninety caregivers (71% white, 7% black, 3% Hispanic, 4% Asian, 14% multiple ethnicities) of children receiving pSCT completed demographic forms, the Psychosocial Assessment Tool, and the Filial Parental and Collective Family Efficacy Beliefs scale prior to the family's discharge, and 1, 3, 6, and 9 months post-discharge. Latent growth curve modeling was used to examine family efficacy across time. Parent, child, and sibling distress, social support, and demographic factors served as predictors.

Latent growth curve modeling demonstrated that family efficacy was stable for 9 months post pSCT discharge. Social support was positively related to family efficacy beliefs. No other variables predicted family efficacy.

Most families perceive themselves as resilient following pSCT. Social relationships and support are critical in maintaining a family's sense of efficacy during the arduous pSCT course.