Mothers and fathers coping with their children’s cancer: Individual and interpersonal processes.

Abstract

Objective To examine individual and interpersonal processes of coping and emotional distress in a sample of mothers and fathers of children with recently diagnosed cancer. Method A sample of 317 mothers and 166 fathers of 334 children were recruited near the time of the child’s cancer diagnosis or relapse (M = 1.4 months, SD = 1.2). Mothers and fathers completed standardized measures of coping and depressive symptoms. Results Analyses of individual coping responses revealed that, for both mothers and fathers, primary control coping (e.g., problem solving, emotional modulation) and secondary control coping (e.g., acceptance, cognitive reappraisal) were associated with lower depressive symptoms. Interpersonal analyses of coping and distress indicated that mothers’ and fathers’ coping as well as depressive symptoms were significantly correlated. Actor–partner interdependence model analyses indicated that mothers’ coping was associated with fathers’ depressive symptoms. Significant interactions also suggested that mothers’ secondary control coping may have a compensatory effect against fathers’ use of disengagement coping, both for themselves and their husbands. Conclusion Mothers’ and fathers’ adaptation to a child’s cancer diagnosis and treatment are characterized by both individual and interpersonal processes, with secondary control coping playing a central role in both of these processes. Implications for interventions to enhance effective coping for parents of children with cancer are highlighted.

Psychosocial functioning of parents of children with heart disease—describing the landscape

“…[16] Our findings are therefore encouraging for the psychological wellbeing of children with HD. [3] Mothers generally had higher levels of anxiety and symptoms of post-traumatic stress and illness-related stress than fathers, supporting previous findings. [17,25] Mothers are more likely than fathers to assume the primary care-taking role, including responsibilities related to their child's heart condition.…”

Health-related quality of life in parents of pediatric brain tumor survivors at the end of tumor-directed therapy

“…Ineffective parental coping efforts have been associated with depressive symptoms and emotional distress in parents of children with cancer (Compas et al, 2015). Supportive factors, such as social support and family functioning, may affect parents’ efforts to cope or manage caregiving responsibilities, particularly during key transition periods (e.g., conclusion of cancer treatment) that are known to be challenging and stressful (Rosenberg et al, 2014; Sloper, 2000).…”

Impact of Caregiving for a Child With Cancer on Parental Health Behaviors, Relationship Quality, and Spiritual Faith

“…The significant positive correlations between partners’ reports of disengagement coping and their depressive symptoms suggest that some couples may be characterized by more maladaptive coping mechanisms and higher levels of distress (Compas, 2015). Individuals in this type of relationship can feel very alone and burdened in caring for their child with cancer—despite the fact that they have a partner—due to lack of communication or challenges sharing responsibilities related to their child’s illness.…”