Exploring the Experiences of Parental Cancer among Young Adults

Abstract

The study aimed to understand the changes in the parent-child relationship after the diagnosis of a parent with cancer, explore the psychological and emotional challenges faced by young adults, gain insight into the strategies these young adults used to cope, and create intervention strategies to provide psychosocial care to the young adults whose needs go unmet. Participants were young adults between 18 and 24, three males, one non-binary, and three females. The research design was of qualitative methodology. Seven in-depth interviews of 20 – 45 minutes each were conducted in a semi-structured format, both online and offline. The data was analyzed using Thematic Analysis. The main themes identified were Dynamics in Parent-Child Relationships and Communication, Challenges Faced by Young Adults, and Managing to Face the World and a Way Forward. Fear, shock, anger, and sadness were common reactions to hearing the parent’s diagnosis. They reported a stronger relationship with the parent post-diagnosis. The majority expressed the importance of therapy and support groups to help cope during these turbulent times. The results can be utilized to formulate a psychosocial intervention for young adults with parental cancer to reduce the psychological and emotional burden on them.