Reflections on the experiences of attending peer support groups for fathers of children with cancer

Abstract

Fathers appear to be less researched than mothers, in particular with regard to their emotional well-being during their child’s cancer diagnosis and treatment. This study investigates a small-scale service evaluation of a father’s support group for fathers of children with cancer in a paediatric oncology and haematology service. The group was set up in October 2017 to enable a safe and supportive reflective space for fathers of children with cancer. The group was open to fathers with a child on the ward on treatment, as well as fathers with children out of treatment, and in remission in the community. Data were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. A number of themes are identified and discussed, including the emotional impact, ways of coping, gender roles, loss and feeling part of an oncology family. The fathers valued hearing each other’s stories about their child’s cancer diagnosis and experiences as this appeared to empower them in helping each other to feel a sense of normalisation for their feelings. They appreciated the group structure and discussed further ways for group improvement. Suggestions are made for developing services to meet emotional support needs of fathers of children with cancer.

Fathers’ Experiences of Childhood Cancer: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study

“…It has been suggested that fathers are, in many ways, the “forgotten parent” with limited research exploring the impact of chronic illness on their social and emotional wellbeing (Archibald et al, 2021; Bailey-Pearce et al, 2018). There is a paucity of data on fathers’ experiences when their child is diagnosed with cancer.…”

“…There is a paucity of data on fathers’ experiences when their child is diagnosed with cancer. Consequently, there is a need to develop a better understanding of the paternal experience of childhood cancer (Archibald et al, 2021; Brody & Simmons, 2007; Neil-Urban & Jones, 2002; Reis et al, 2017). In addition, most of the published qualitative literature specifically focusing on fathers’ experiences of having a child with cancer was conducted over a decade ago.…”

“Connection, community and convenience”: A case study of a Facebook group for fathers navigating parenthood

“…15,27,28 Connecting with peers also helps to normalise certain experiences, reduce feelings of loneliness, and, potentially, judge advice as more trustworthy. 29,30 This sentiment appears to be especially true for fathers, who are often underrepresented in formal parenting support initiatives (eg, parenting course and programs). For example, one meta-analysis of studies evaluating a popular parenting intervention program revealed that fathers comprised less than 20% of participating parents, with the program also found to be less effective at increasing parental competence and reducing dysfunctional parenting practices for fathers than mothers.…”

“…Informal and unstructured peer support for parenting has proven an invaluable source of information, emotional support and social support for people navigating the challenges of parenthood 15,27,28 . Connecting with peers also helps to normalise certain experiences, reduce feelings of loneliness, and, potentially, judge advice as more trustworthy 29,30 . This sentiment appears to be especially true for fathers, who are often underrepresented in formal parenting support initiatives (eg, parenting course and programs).…”