Parental Cancer

Catalyst for Positive Growth and Change

Bibliographic Data

ID4657124
AuthorsJanelle Veronica Levesque (0000-0001-6982-2086, Charles Sturt University), Darryl Maybery (0000-0003-1038-9374, Monash University, Moe, Victoria, Australia)
Year2012
Volume22
Issue3
Pages397-408
Publication date2012-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Health Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1049732311421617
PMID21890711
OpenAlexW2115607208
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited39

Cancer is a disease that affects the entire family, with each member having unique psychological needs. To date, there has been limited research into the effect of parental cancer on adult children. Furthermore, existing research has largely overlooked the possibility of positive psychological growth in the adult offspring of cancer patients. To investigate the perceived benefits arising from parental cancer, 11 interviews were undertaken with adults whose parents had been diagnosed with cancer, to discuss their experiences of their parent's illness, and their evaluation of both the positive and negative changes that had arisen. All participants were able to identify positive outcomes in direct response to their parent's cancer. Frequently suggested changes included improved relationships with their sick parent, an increased emphasis on family, revised life priorities, and personal development. The implications of these findings, their link to posttraumatic growth theory, and avenues for future research are discussed

Cancer · Developmental psychology · Disease · Offspring · Posttraumatic growth · Childhood Cancer Survivors' Quality of Life · Clinical Psychology · Family Support in Illness · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Medicine · Psychology