Psychosocial Stressors, Coping Resources, and Information Needs of Parents of Adolescent Cancer Patients

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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe the emotional responses, psychosocial concerns, coping resources, and information needs of parents of adolescents with cancer. The convenience volunteer sample consisted of 26 parents, 15 mothers and 11 fathers. Using a descriptive survey design, a written questionnaire was mailed to all parents (one each for the mother and father) of adolescent cancer patients (N = 60) at a pediatric oncology center. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The psychosocial concerns and needs reported by the parents included negative feelings, physical complaints, and their other children. Coping strategies used were spending time away from the ill child and meeting another parent at diagnosis. The major resources that the parents used to help them cope included group meetings, talking with other parents, working with a counselor, and books. Educational needs of the parents focus on psychosocial problems. The results from this study indicate that parents have many psychosocial concerns that could be addressed by nurses in a variety of formats.