The Enhancing Connections Program: a six-state randomized clinical trial of a cancer parenting program

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Oncology
• Family Studies

Background:

• Maternal breast cancer diagnosis significantly impacts child rearing mothers and their children.
• Parenting programs are crucial for supporting families navigating cancer diagnoses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the Enhancing Connections Program, a cancer parenting intervention.
• To assess the program's impact on maternal mental health, parenting, and child adjustment.

Main Methods:

• 176 mothers with breast cancer and their children (8-12 years) were randomized into an intervention or control group.
• The intervention group received 5 educational counseling sessions; the control group received informational materials.
• Outcomes were measured at 2 and 12 months post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Mothers in the intervention group showed significant improvements in depressed mood and parenting skills at 2 months.
• Children of mothers in the intervention group exhibited improved behavioral-emotional adjustment, with reduced externalizing problems and anxiety/depressed mood.
• While children's adjustment benefits persisted at 1 year, maternal anxiety and parenting self-efficacy were not significantly affected.

Conclusions:

• The Enhancing Connections Program demonstrates benefits for mothers and children coping with maternal breast cancer.
• The program shows promise but requires further refinement and testing to optimize outcomes.