Resilience-Promoting Programs in Families of Children With Cancer: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Purpose: Pediatric cancer is a difficult experience for children and their families. It is thus necessary to promote family resilience for the effective treatment and quality of life improvement among children with cancer. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the components of a resilience-promoting program for children with cancer and their families and to synthesize the literature findings on the outcomes of the resilience-promoting program. Method: A systematic search of the literature was conducted using five databases (PubMed, CHIAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Research Information Sharing Service) up to July 22, 2020. The search was limited to studies published in English and Korean, and to grey literature published in Korea. Studies were critically appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Extracted data were summarized as tables. Results: Eight studies were selected. The main components of the resilience-promoting program were providing information (on strategies, medical and psychoeducation, and community resources) and emotional coping (expressing feeling, reappraising cognition about adversity, and stress management). The main outcomes of these programs were reinforced outcomes (resilience, benefit finding, coping, positive affect, problem-solving skills, family adaptation, and self-concept) and improved outcomes (in depression, posttraumatic stress, anxiety, impact of illness of the family, and mood). Conclusion: As the components and outcomes of family resilience-promoting programs vary, it is necessary to consistently use valid tools to effectively identify interventions. Additionally, various methodological studies are required to further analyze the effect of these programs.

Problem-Solving Skills Training for Parents of Children With Chronic Health Conditions

“…Positivity and problem-solving throughout PSST is achieved by refining problems and effectively troubleshooting obstacles commonly encountered during the treatment of childhood CHCs, thus contributing to parental well-being . Additionally, PSST was associated with improvements in pediatric QOL, mental health, and parent-child conflict, in accordance with previous review results that psychological interventions for parents may facilitate their ability to scaffold behavioral and emotional changes in their children and thus reduce conflicts between parents and children . Our findings extend this evidence by suggesting that PSST is also associated with better psychosocial outcomes for children and families, showing promise for the use of PSST to increase the well-being of all family members and promote family adaptation.…”

Current evidence and opportunities in child and adolescent public mental health: a research review

“…For example, children and adolescents with chronic illnesses and/or complex health care needs are a group with higher risk for developing mental health difficulties (National Academies of Sciences & Medicine, 2019; Quittner et al., 2014) who may benefit from additional mental health monitoring and support, potentially including within paediatric services (Boat, Filigno, & Amin, 2017; Fazel et al., 2021; Panagi et al., 2022). Although the evidence base is still nascent, some studies suggest that mental health interventions for these children and adolescents may have some positive effects (Catanzano et al., 2020; Park, Choi, Lee, Park, & Chinbayar, 2022).…”

Current evidence and opportunities in child and adolescent public mental health: a research review

“…For example, children and adolescents with chronic illnesses and/or complex health care needs are a group with higher risk for developing mental health difficulties (National Academies of Sciences & Medicine, 2019; Quittner et al, 2014) who may benefit from additional mental health monitoring and support, potentially including within paediatric services (Boat, Filigno, & Amin, 2017;Fazel et al, 2021;Panagi et al, 2022). Although the evidence base is still nascent, some studies suggest that mental health interventions for these children and adolescents may have some positive effects (Catanzano et al, 2020;Park, Choi, Lee, Park, & Chinbayar, 2022).…”