Experiences of Adolescent Daughters in Beginning to Live With Their Mothers’ Cancer: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study reveals the experiences of adolescent daughters who are beginning to live with their mothers’ cancer diagnosis. Participants were 14 adolescent daughters who were either junior or senior high school students when their mothers were diagnosed with breast cancer. We analyzed semi-structured interviews using content analysis. Using interview data, four categories were created from 23 subcategories and 183 codes: (1) using trial and error to steady their minds against being upset and anxious; (2) minimizing the effect of cancer on their own school life and future; (3) moving forward with the help and support of those around them; and (4) advancing with their family to protect and take care of their mother. As supporters, we must understand adolescent daughters’ experiences in living with their mothers’ cancer. Open communication with an important outside individual is essential in promoting adolescent daughters’ ability to obtain support and live with their mothers’ cancer.

Adolescents' needs for information and psychosocial support during their mother's breast cancer trajectory: A systematic review

“…Three studies were conducted in the United States of America, 15,55,59 three in the United Kingdom, 23,58,60 one in Canada, 61 one in Israel, 57 one in Iran, 54 and one in Japan. 29 One study did not report where it was conducted. 56 In total, 370 adolescents participated in the five quantitative studies, and 87 adolescents participated in the six qualitative studies.…”

“…Authors in 10 of the 11 included studies were contacted by email because of missing demographic information. 15,23,29,[54][55][56][58][59][60][61] Only two of the authors replied to our emails. 58,61 Edwards et al 58 no longer had access to the data and hence could not provide the missing information.…”

“…15,59,61 The feeling of fear was related to losing their mother and uncertainty about the future. 29,59,61 The opportunity to be with others dealing with a similar situation was perceived as helpful. 59,60 In one study, adolescents suggested that talking about the changes to expect in the family would be helpful and were interested in a multiple-family therapy group, where they could share feelings openly, which could help to assuage some of the feelings of loneliness.…”

“…23,29 In an attempt not to burden them any further, adolescents avoided conflicts and tried to conceal emotions, and were focused on not being a further financial burden to the family. 23,29 Adolescents described how parents and siblings did not disclose their feelings, resulting in a pattern of mutual protection. 23,29 For some adolescents, the threat of losing their mother challenged the separation process.…”

“…23,29 Adolescents described how parents and siblings did not disclose their feelings, resulting in a pattern of mutual protection. 23,29 For some adolescents, the threat of losing their mother challenged the separation process. This was evident from adolescents' altered ways of being at home.…”