Stressors in the Daily Life of Parents After a Child's Successful Cancer Treatment

Abstract

In previous studies, the report of distress has been documented in parents after successfully completing cancer treatment of a child. It is typically assumed that this distress represents lasting reactions to experiences during active treatment, in the form of post-traumatic stress or less severe crisis reactions. However, some researchers have suggested that parents may also perceive current stressors related to a child's cancer even after successful completion of the cancer treatment. Using two family cases as a framework, we discuss strain and new conditions requiring adaptation in various aspects of the everyday life of parents after treatment completion. In addition, we argue that an examination of psychological exhaustion and fatigue in these parents may be appropriate. Further examination is needed on the nature of parental stress after a child's cancer treatment. The distinction is important, since the appropriate methods for professional support may differ with regard to parents struggling to cope with current stressors and those showing signs of persistent post-traumatic stress or fatigue.