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Gender differences in parenting a child with cancer
1University of California, Los Angeles, School of Public Policy and Social Research, Department of Social Welfare 90095-1656, USA.
Social Work in Health Care
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Mothers and fathers experience parenting a child with cancer differently, reflecting traditional gender roles. This impacts parental psychosocial adjustment and requires tailored support for families facing childhood cancer.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Sociology
Background:
- Parenting a child diagnosed with cancer presents unique challenges.
- Understanding parental roles is crucial for psychosocial support.
- Gender differences in parental experiences are under-explored in pediatric cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate parents' perceptions of their roles in the context of a child's cancer diagnosis.
- To explore potential gender-based differences in parental experiences and responses.
- To discuss sex-role socialization theory as a framework for understanding these differences.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 124 parents of children diagnosed with cancer.
- Qualitative analysis of parental perceptions and experiences.
- Application of sex-role socialization theory.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed between mothers and fathers in their experience and response to parenting a child with cancer.
- These differences align with traditional gender-based divisions of labor in parenting.
- Parental experiences are influenced by societal sex-role socialization.
Conclusions:
- Gender roles significantly shape the parenting experience for families of children with cancer.
- Healthcare professionals should consider these gendered differences when providing support.
- Interventions should be tailored to address the specific psychosocial needs of mothers and fathers.