The experiences of mothers who have a child diagnosed with cancer

Abstract

Objective: This qualitative study explored the experiences of mothers who had a child diagnosed with cancer. Design and Outcome Measure: Informed by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, semi-structured interviews were completed with 13 participants, transcribed verbatim with individual and cross-case analysis conducted. Results: One superordinate theme, Protecting My Child, Whatever the Cost, was identified with five related subordinate themes. Participants battled to protect the development of their ill child. They richly described the personal costs and losses experienced, including putting their life on hold, and lost time with their healthy children. Participants faced realities of cancer treatment that were incongruent with their goal of protecting their child. Self-care awareness was significant for well-being as they protected themselves from reminders of their child’s mortality. Despite living in a crisis, participants reported changes suggestive of posttraumatic growth. Conclusion: Childhood cancer brings profound psychosocial and biographical disruption to the lives of mothers as they lose socially valued roles and have their identity as competent mothers challenged. Mothers protect their child, often at a cost to their health and well-being but also bringing positive consequences. The findings offer insights for psychologists in supporting mothers to reclaim their identity as competent mothers and renegotiate their mothering expectations.