Abstract
BackgroundParents of children with cancer report post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) years after the child's successful treatment is completed. The aim of the present study was to analyze a number of objective and subjective childhood cancer-related factors as predictors of parental PTSS.MethodsData were collected from 224 parents during and after their child's cancer treatment. Data sources include self-report questionnaires and medical records.ResultsIn a multivariate hierarchical model death of the child, parent's perception of child psychological distress and total symptom burden predicted higher levels of PTSS. In addition, immigrants and unemployed parents reported higher levels of PTSS. The following factors did not predict PTSS: parent gender, family income, previous trauma, child's prognosis, treatment intensity, non-fatal relapse, and parent's satisfaction with the child's care.ConclusionsAlthough medical complications can be temporarily stressful, a parent's perception of the child's distress is a more powerful predictor of parental PTSS. The vulnerability of unemployed parents and immigrants should be acknowledged. In addition, findings highlight that the death of a child is as traumatic as could be expected.
Highlights
IntroductionMost parents of children in treatment for a malignant disease perceive the situation as severely stressful
Not surprisingly, most parents of children in treatment for a malignant disease perceive the situation as severely stressful
E.g. socioeconomic status and minority status [6] are associated with increased vulnerability to post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Summary
Most parents of children in treatment for a malignant disease perceive the situation as severely stressful. Parental reactions indicate that the situation for many involves an existential crisis, i.e. a psychological trauma inducing reactions of traumatic stress. Reactions of traumatic stress are exhibited immediately following the disclosure of the diagnosis [1,2], and years after completion of the treatment [3,4]. In unfavourable cases the reactions can develop into a persistent, distressing syndrome: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Post-traumatic stress is one of the possible adverse effects of a psychological trauma. E.g. socioeconomic status and minority status [6] are associated with increased vulnerability to post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and PTSD. Parents of children with cancer report post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) years after the child’s successful treatment is completed.
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