Einfluss des elterlichen Erziehungsstils auf die psychische Gesundheit Langzeitüberlebender

Abstract

BackgroundChildhood and adolescent cancer interferes with important developmental tasks, which is why many long-term survivors experience not only physical but also psychosocial late effects. Increasingly, factors influencing coping with the disease and its consequences come into focus—such as the role the family plays, especially in the form of parental rearing behavior.ObjectiveThis article summarizes empirical findings on parenting styles in the context of childhood and adolescent cancer and its relevance for the development and mental health of long-term survivors.Materials and methodsThe review is based on recent international studies conducted in large long-term survivor cohorts. The emphasis lies on the systematized assessment of parenting style using the Questionnaire on Recalled Parental Parenting Behavior.ResultsLong-term survivors’ recalled parental rearing behavior differs from that of their peers: long-term survivors report having experienced more caring behavior, more anxious overprotection, less striving for success, and less rejection and punishment. Thus, both parenting styles which are considered vulnerability factors and protective factors are more prevalent: for instance, overprotection is associated with increased risk for anxiety disorders, and emotional warmth is associated with successful coping with psychosocial milestones such as partnership and parenthood.ConclusionsParental behavior has meaningful effects on the long-term mental health of survivors. Psycho-oncological support should therefore consider the entire family. Young patients and their relatives may also need support in the (long-term) survival phase.