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How children cope when a parent has advanced cancer
Vida L Kennedy1, Mari Lloyd-Williams
1Academic Palliative and Supportive Care Studies Group, School of Population, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GB, UK.
Psycho-Oncology
|January 13, 2009
Summary
Children coping with a parent's advanced cancer diagnosis experience distress and use distraction to manage. Open family communication can improve their coping mechanisms and overall experience.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Child Psychology
- Family Health
Background:
- Parental cancer diagnosis significantly impacts children, causing distress.
- Limited understanding exists on how children cope with advanced parental cancer.
- Identifying barriers to support is crucial for children's well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- Explore children's coping mechanisms when a parent has advanced cancer.
- Identify potential barriers hindering children's access to support.
- Understand the nature of children's distress in this context.
Main Methods:
- Semi-structured interviews with ill parents and well parents/children (aged 7+).
- Grounded theory analysis of fully transcribed interview data.
- Exploration of coping strategies, life changes, and perceived support.
Main Results:
- Children reported distress and health concerns related to parental cancer.
- Dominant coping strategies included distraction and maintaining normality.
- Parents underestimated the impact on children, focusing on normality.
- Positive outcomes included strengthened family relationships and life appreciation.
Conclusions:
- Open family communication is vital for effective coping in children facing parental advanced cancer.
- Facilitating support access can improve children's experiences.
- Addressing children's distress requires acknowledging their perspectives.
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