Comparison of parent–child communication patterns and parental role satisfaction among mothers with and without breast cancer

Abstract

PurposeThis study compared parent–child communication (PCC) patterns and parental role satisfaction (PRS) between women with breast cancer and healthy women. BackgroundA limited number of studies have examined PCC and the impact of PRS between cancer patients and their children. MethodsIt was a descriptive survey design comprising the Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale and a PRS measure. Data from 202 participants in total were analysed with two-way analyses of variance and t-tests. ResultsClosed communication was higher in both groups than open communication, but higher still in children of women with breast cancer than in children of healthy women. PRS was lower in women with breast cancer than in healthy women. Educational programs should be developed to support parents and children during the post-treatment adjustment period for mothers with breast cancer. ConclusionSuch programs should take a practical approach toward increasing open parent–child communication while considering personal characteristics and cultural backgrounds.