Parents with cancer: Searching for the right balance between telling the truth and protecting children

Meriggi, Fausto; Andreis, Federica; Liborio, Nadia; Codignola, Claudio; Rizzi, Anna; Prochilo, Tiziana; Rota, Luigina; Biasi, Brunella Di; Bertocchi, Paola; Abeni, Chiara; Ogliosi, Chiara; Aroldi, Francesca; Zaniboni, Alberto

doi:10.1017/s1478951516000444

Cited by 9 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 20 publications

(27 reference statements)

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“…Extending these findings, our results suggest that especially children’s and parents’ negative dyadic and parents’ emotion-oriented dyadic coping are important indicators for a child’s quality of life. These findings correspond with other studies showing the negative outcomes and ineffectiveness of avoidant coping strategies in response to stress ( Compas et al, 2012 ), and the positive effects of an open climate in the family ( Niemi, 1988 ; Lutz et al, 2007 ; Meriggi et al, 2017 ). Communicating stress might be a first step in providing good dyadic coping (more emotion-oriented coping and less negative coping).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Parent-Child Dyadic Coping and Quality of Life in Chronically Diseased Children

et al. 2021

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Different forms of dyadic coping are associated with positive outcomes in partner relationships, yet little is known about dyadic coping in parent-child relationships. The current research explored the association between parent-child dyadic coping and children’s quality of life in 12–18-year old children with a chronic disease (i.e., cystic fibrosis, autoimmune diseases, and children post-cancer treatment). In a sample of 105 parent-child dyads, self-reported forms of dyadic coping (i.e., stress communication, problem-oriented, emotion-oriented, and negative dyadic coping) and children’s quality of life were assessed. Children reported more stress communication and negative dyadic coping than their parents, while parents reported more problem-oriented dyadic coping and emotion-oriented dyadic coping than their children. More stress communication of the child was associated with more emotion-oriented dyadic coping and less negative dyadic coping of the parent. More negative dyadic coping of the child was associated with less stress communication, problem-oriented dyadic coping and emotion-oriented dyadic coping of the parent. Additionally, both children’s and parents’ negative dyadic coping were associated with lower self-reported pediatric quality of life and parents’ emotion-oriented dyadic coping was associated with higher pediatric quality of life. These findings emphasize that children and their parents mutually influence each other and that dyadic coping is associated with children’s quality of life. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Parent-Child Dyadic Coping and Quality of Life in Chronically Diseased Children

et al. 2021

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“…As a consequence, healthcare professionals are confronted with the dilemma that, even though most patients wish for the healthcare professionals to be more active in asking about their children, some patients prefer to separate out dealing with their illness from caring for their children. This presents a problem because most research suggests that open communication minimises dependent children's anxiety levels (Ellis, Wakefield, Antill, Burns, & Patterson, ; Meriggi et al, ). These issues raise two important clinical questions: (a) How should healthcare professionals navigate when children's needs conflict with patients’ needs?…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Disrupted biographies and balancing identities: A qualitative study of cancer patients’ communication with healthcare professionals about dependent children

et al. 2019

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Objective About 14% of cancer patients live with dependent children. Healthcare professionals are well placed to help patients support their children as part of a patient‐centred practice. Children tend to appreciate open communication during the course of illness, but patients often find this difficult. However, research is unclear about patients’ preferences and their willingness to talk with healthcare professionals about their dependent children. Methods We conducted 15 in‐depth interviews with patients from haematological (N = 11) and gynaecological oncology (N = 4). The interviews and subsequent analysis focused on patients’ communicative preferences, taking the theoretical framework of “biographical disruption” as a starting point and using Jenkins’ concept of identity as a social, relational and dynamic process. Results We identified two overall identities at stake for seriously ill patients with parental responsibility: “patient identity” and “parent identity.” As “patients,” patients were ambivalent about relating to their children, but as “parents” they wanted healthcare professionals to talk about their children. Conclusion In order to be patient‐centred, clinicians should, we suggest, acknowledge that patients have these conflicting perspectives and identities, which surface at various times and situations throughout their illness trajectories. Research is needed to further explore these findings in different illness groups and cultures.

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“…with cancer ranged from 9.4% to 59.1%. 5,42,[46][47][48]50,55,59 Prevalence of probable depression in parents ranged from 7.2% to 82.9%. These estimated rates were based on n = 10 publications, 5,35,37,42,[46][47][48]50,53,55,59,60 5,[46][47][48]50 or STAI (score ≥ 39) 37 ranged from 18.9% to 87.8%.…”

Section: Research Question 2a: Reported Outcome Levelsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The impact of cancer on the mental health of patients parenting minor children: A systematic review of quantitative evidence

et al. 2022

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Objective To provide an overview of quantitative data on the impact of cancer on the mental health of patients parenting minor children. We focused on mental health outcomes, their levels and prevalence, and applied measurement tools. Methods MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycInfo and Web of Science were searched up to March 2021. We included quantitative studies, published in a peer‐reviewed journal and reporting outcomes on the mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety) of cancer patients parenting minor children (≤ 21 years). Study quality was assessed based on the National Institute for Health assessment tool for observational studies. This study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42019141954). Results A total of 54 articles based on 36 different studies were included in this systematic review. Studies differ markedly regarding study and sample characteristics (e.g., outcome measures, sample size, parental health status). Depression and anxiety levels range from normal to abnormal, according to applied measurement tools. 7%–83% of parents with cancer have depression scores indicating probable depression and 19%–88% have anxiety scores indicating anxiety disorder. Conclusions This review reveals the dimension of mental burden affecting cancer patients parenting minor children. To identify, address and timely treat potentially arising mental health problems and support needs, affected parents should be closely monitored by healthcare professionals and referred to specialized support offers, if necessary. In the context of a comprehensive patient‐ and family‐oriented care, it is highly relevant to integrate mental health (including parental) issues routinely into oncological care by proactively asking for the patient's psychosocial situation and the family status.

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Parents with cancer: Searching for the right balance between telling the truth and protecting children

Abstract: Our study confirmed what has been reported in the literature: high levels of anxiety and depression affect communication among family members. Not surprisingly, the "fighting spirit" coping style engenders open communication.

Cited by 9 publications

References 20 publications

Parent-Child Dyadic Coping and Quality of Life in Chronically Diseased Children

Parent-Child Dyadic Coping and Quality of Life in Chronically Diseased Children

Disrupted biographies and balancing identities: A qualitative study of cancer patients’ communication with healthcare professionals about dependent children

The impact of cancer on the mental health of patients parenting minor children: A systematic review of quantitative evidence

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