Journal of Special Education and Rehabilitation (Nov 2009)
SOCIAL FUNCTIONING OF CHILDREN WITH MALIGNANT DISEASES
Abstract
The purpose of the research was the assessment of the functioning of children with malignant diseases in the social surroundings.The basic paradigm was based on the research that explores the relation of malignant disease and social competence. The sample consisted of 120 examinees (60 examinees from the E group and 60 examinees from the K group). The criteria for the formation of the E group were: age 8-18 years old; diagnosis of the malignant diseases confirmed with a histopathological verification (consistent tumors and malignant hemopathy); treatment on the children department for OR (hemiotherapy, radiotherapy, combined hemopathy); fine pre morbid status. The control group consisted of healthy examinees that according to the number, age, sex and the level of education were adequate to the examinees from the E group.With comparison of the average accomplishments of the examinees from groups E and K in the field of social competence we obtained a statistically significant difference between the examined groups in benefit to the examinees from group K. The social incompetence and social exclusion that follow the malignant disease represented a basic indication for special education and rehabilitation of children and young people that suffer from malignant diseases.
