Demographic, medical, and psychosocial predictors of benefit finding among caregivers of childhood cancer survivors

Abstract

Objective There is a growing body of literature examining benefit finding, or finding positive outcomes in the face of adversity, among both adults and children with chronic conditions, and to some degree among caregivers. This study examined demographic, medical, and psychosocial predictors of greater benefit finding specifically among caregivers of childhood cancer survivors. Methods Caregivers of children who had completed treatment for cancer (n=83) completed measures assessing child and caregiver demographic information and caregiver coping (active, acceptance, emotion-focused, and avoidant), optimism, social support, caregiving burden, post-traumatic stress symptoms, illness impact (how much caregivers feel impacted by their child's illness in various domains), and benefit finding (positive outcomes). Results Regression analyses indicated that positive spiritual coping, optimism, and illness impact uniquely predicted overall benefit finding for caregivers of childhood cancer survivors. Conclusions Results point to adaptive tendencies that are associated with finding benefits when caring for a childhood cancer survivor and suggest potential avenues for intervention among this population.

Spiritual and religious coping and depression among family caregivers of pediatric cancer patients in Latin America

“…Since FCs of pediatric cancer patients are subjected to a stressful and vulnerable situation due to the uncertainty and the fear of loosing their children, they are at high risk of developing psychological problems as compared with other groups . In this scenario, religious struggles may appear as a reaction to this situation and might seriously compromise mental health and well‐being.…”

“…Pediatric cancer remains a life‐changing diagnosis with substantial prognostic uncertainty and high caregiving demands; affecting both children/adolescents as well as their parents who usually provide extensive care . Studies have shown that these family caregivers (FCs) are subjected to physical and psychological burden during and after their children's medical care …”

“…In fact, caregivers of pediatric cancer patients are at high risk for developing different types of somatic complaints and higher levels of inflammatory markers (eg, cortisol and C‐reactive protein) . It is estimated that 20% to 66% of FCs present with significant depressive symptoms, and 20% to 30% of caregivers are at high risk for psychiatric morbidity .…”

Benefit Finding and Quality of Life in Caregivers of Childhood Cancer Survivors

“…There are likely additional variables that are important in predicting QoL that may interact with benefit finding, such as spiritual coping and illness impact. 56,57 These variables should be investigated in future research.…”

Spiritual assessment and spiritual care offerings as a standard of care in pediatric oncology: A recommendation informed by a systematic review of the literature

“…52,53 Spirituality for the pediatric cancer patient and family was defined through wellness, positivity, coping, distress adaptation, and life beliefs. 3,40,50,54,55 Spirituality definitions included transcendence of one's experience and growth in and through suffering. 39,41,56 The theme of spiritual hope was defined in the articles as "intentional hope" and "hope as inner strength."…”