The relationship of self-concept and self-care in children with cancer

The purposes of this descriptive study were to examine the relationships between self-concept and (a) self-care, (b) dependent-care, and (c) basic conditioning factors for children with cancer, and to compare the self-concept of children on- and off-therapy. The theoretical framework was Orem's self-care deficit theory of nursing. The sample consisted of 74 children with cancer and their mothers. Results showed small but significant correlations between variables, providing some evidence that if children had higher self-concept scores they performed more self-care activities and received more dependent-care from their mothers. The self-concept scores of the on- and off-therapy groups were not significantly different. This study supports Orem's theory and reinforces the need to promote positive self-concept.