Fathers' experiences of living with cancer: a phenomenological study

Abstract

There is a paucity of knowledge about fathers' experiences of cancer. This study explored the experiences of fathers diagnosed and living with cancer while also having parental responsibility for children. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach guided the study. Data were generated through 22 in-depth interviews with 10 fathers throughout Northern Ireland. The findings evidenced that fathers' identities are challenged and frequently re-shaped by the cancer experience, in many cases leading to an improved lifestyle behaviour. Heightened engagement with their children can provide a protective effect from the illness. On the other hand a lack of involvement led to frustration and low mood. The findings also demonstrated that father/child relationships were adversely affected by the social complexities that exist in the variances and diversity of fathers parenting roles and status. This knowledge contributes to our understanding of the complex relationships of fathers in non-traditional roles. It extends our understanding of how, when stereotyped gendered roles are ascribed to fathers it can impact on a fathers' ability to fulfil the traditional breadwinner's role. This is knowledge that will inform health care professionals and enable them to provide gendered-sensitive care that takes account of the masculine psychological responses that can shape the cancer experience.

Contextualisation of patient-centred care: A comparative qualitative study of healthcare professionals' approaches to communicating with seriously ill patients about their dependent children

“…Future studies should include the viewpoints of patients and their relatives, of their spouses and children, for example through case‐based, serial qualitative interviews and observations across the treatment trajectory of cancer patients. Finally, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding gender aspects influencing communication during parental illness, which future studies might also address, for example what fathers’ experiences and needs are (O'Neill, McCaughan, Semple, and Ryan ().…”

Bahraini men living with heart failure: A phenomenological study

“…In the case of men presenting with HF their masculinity that is generally defined as the common understanding of the meaning of being a man, in how to behave, how to present oneself, and so forth, is influenced by the sociocultural context that defines masculinity. [8][9][10][11] The manner in which men engaged with heath care systems was shaped by their masculinity and also shaped their decision-making processes relating to the use of health services. [8,9] Other studies revealed that the negative effects of symptoms, depression and anxiety, resulted in low self-worth and feelings of guilt.…”

Children Navigating Parental Cancer: Outcomes of a Psychosocial Intervention

“…Although it has been acknowledged that men and woman can have similar cancer experiences, the manner in which men respond may be very different to women (Robertson, 2007). In addition, the changing patterns of family structures and relationships may make open communication more challenging (O'Neill et al, 2016). The findings in this study point to the importance of taking a family centred approach to talking about cancer with the children O'Neill et al, 2016;Turner, Clavarino, Yates, Hargraves, Connors, Hausmann, 2008).…”

“…Research has indicated that when a parent is diagnosed with cancer they face additional fears and anxieties as they attempt to simultaneously manage their role as parent, with their illness (Rauch & Moore, 2010;Semple & McCance, 2010a;O'Neill, McCaughan, Semple, Ryan, 2016). Parents have reported difficulties in knowing how to communicate appropriately with their children throughout the illness trajectory (O'Neill et al, 2016;Semple & McCance, 2010a, 2010b and they are primarily focused on protecting or shielding their children from the illness. Understandably parents can become overwhelmed and experience significant parental stress impacting on their psychological wellbeing, in some cases leading to depression (Kirsch, Brandt, Lewis, 2003;O'Neill et al, 2016).…”

“…Parents have reported difficulties in knowing how to communicate appropriately with their children throughout the illness trajectory (O'Neill et al, 2016;Semple & McCance, 2010a, 2010b and they are primarily focused on protecting or shielding their children from the illness. Understandably parents can become overwhelmed and experience significant parental stress impacting on their psychological wellbeing, in some cases leading to depression (Kirsch, Brandt, Lewis, 2003;O'Neill et al, 2016). This has a subsequent effect on the entire family unit.…”