Marital Conflicts as Perceived by Mothers of a Child with Cancer in Korea

Abstract

This study explored marital conflicts as reported by mothers of a child with cancer in Korea. In-depth, semi structured interviews were conducted with 20 mothers, and transcripts of their interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Two major themes emerged: conflict escalation (becoming physically and emotionally distant, having financial challenges, feeling resentful, feeling not understood, husbands not behaving reliably) and repercussions of conflict (exploding, focusing on the child, making an effort to communicate better, husbands making an effort). Overall, the mothers perceived that their relationship with their spouse was significantly affected by their child’s illness, and they described how they tried to resolve conflicts with their husband. These findings demonstrate the need for interventions that help mothers manage the emotional burdens resulting from marital conflicts. Such interventions can ultimately promote child–parent relationships and the psychosocial well-being of children with cancer. Future research should examine the impact of external stressors and child characteristics on marital relationships amid childhood cancer survivorship.