City Research Online

Abstract

The majority of individuals diagnosed with cancer have children who are adults. These adults also go on to play vital caregiving roles for their ill parent. However, research exploring their unique experiences and needs continues to be understudied. The aim of this study is to explore young adult’s experiences of having a parent with cancer. This study employed a qualitative research design. Six participants who have experienced having a parent with cancer in the last 5 years were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The analysis revealed four superordinate themes and eleven subthemes. It was found that young adults who faced their parents’ cancer diagnosis experienced significant psychological pain, worries about the future with regards to their parents’ mortality and their own risk of developing cancer. It was also common that, young adults observed their parent deteriorate, becoming more needy and vulnerable. Consequently, young adults played a significant role in the care of their parents, and took on their parent’s responsibilities, neglecting some areas of their own lives. Findings also revealed commonly used methods to cope with this process, which included portraying an invulnerable self and estranging self from others. Other forms of support they benefitted from were also discussed. Despite the negative challenges caused by the experience of parental cancer, participants did report on positive aspects of this experience. Changes in family relationships, personal way of being and behaviours regarding a healthy lifestyle were expressed. The experience of parental cancer amongst young adults is a unique and subjective experience that can foster negative and positive factors in a person’s life. The similarities revealed in this study suggest important clinical applications through increasing the insight into the difficulties and challenges this population experiences. Suggestions for future research and the development of interventions that could support this population in the best way possible are given.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0254 Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology (including Cancer)
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Psychology School of Health & Psychological Sciences > School of Health & Psychological Sciences Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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