Context Few studies have compared multiple perspectives of changes experienced by parents after a child’s death. Objectives This study used interviews with bereaved parents and siblings to examine changes in parents during the first year after the death of a child from cancer. Methods Mothers (n = 36), fathers (n = 24), and siblings (n = 39) from 40 families were recruited from three hospitals in the U.S. and Canada 3-12 months post-death (M = 10.7, SD = 3.5). Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were conducted in the home with each participating parent and sibling separately. Content analysis identified emerging themes, and frequencies were compared between each paired set of reports (mother versus sibling, father versus sibling, mother versus father). Results Parents and siblings identified two major categories of change experienced by bereaved parents. These changes occurred in their personal lives (e.g., emotions, perspectives and priorities, physical state, work habits, coping/behaviors, spiritual beliefs, and feeling something is missing) and relationships (e.g., family, others). Ninety-four percent of mothers, 87% of fathers, and 69% of siblings reported parental changes in at least one of these categories. Parents were more likely to report changes in priorities, whereas siblings reported more sadness in parents after the death. Conclusion Positive and negative changes in parents after the death of a child from cancer occur in both personal and relational domains. Additional research is needed to determine the impact of a child’s death on bereaved parents over time and to develop strategies to promote healthy adjustment.

Relatively little research has investigated the impact of parental cancer on developmental outcomes for school-aged children beyond the home. The current study was designed to examine the impact of maternal breast cancer on the social behavior, peer acceptance, and friendships of children and adolescents at school. It was hypothesized that children of women with breast cancer would have fewer friends and be viewed by peers, teachers, and themselves as more socially isolated than comparison classmates. A sample of 60 school-aged children (age 8-16) of women with breast cancer, 58 teachers, and 1138 classmates provided data in classroom settings. Comparisons were made between children in the maternal cancer sample and 60 classmates matched for gender, race, and age. No overall group differences were found on indicators of peer acceptance or friendships at school. Although marked behavioral similarities were found between groups, analyses indicated that sons, but not daughters, of mothers with breast cancer were seen by teachers and peers as more socially sensitive and isolated than comparison peers. Further research is warranted to confirm findings that sons of mothers with breast cancer may experience social isolation and to examine the stability and consequences of this behavioral pattern.

Although perceived competence and comfort with palliative care improved, the workshop did not uniformly produce lasting improvements in knowledge. Sustained knowledge will likely require more intensive training in palliative care. Continued research and evaluation of similar educational programs are needed.

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