Kinetic family drawings-revised: A method of determining the impact of cancer on the family as perceived by the child with cancer

In a 5-year, longitudinal study, the impact of childhood cancer on the family was studied through use of interviews and selected instruments, including the Kinetic Family Drawings-Revised (KFD-R), developed by Spinetta (1981). From the sample of 40 families, 8 children with cancer, ages 6 to 18 years, drew 18 pictures appropriate for analysis using the KFD-R. The total and subscale scores of communication, self-image, and emotional tone increased over time for the sample, indicating an increase in negative perception of self and family interaction. Differences in the trends of the scores were seen in children with leukemia as compared with children with solid tumors and in children who had relapsed versus those who were experiencing a long-term remission.