Posttraumatic Growth and Hope in Parents of Children with Cancer

Abstract

Background Posttraumatic growth (PTG), a positive change in values and major life goals experienced as a result of the struggle with a highly challenging life circumstance, has been shown to be related to the construct of hope, the belief that goals can be met. To date, no studies have examined the relationship between PTG and hope in parents of children with cancer. Procedure Participants were parents (N=85) of children and adolescents (ages 2–18 years, M = 7.72 years) receiving treatment for cancer. Parents completed a demographic questionnaire, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), and Hope Scale (HS). Results Hope was found to be related to PTG in parents of children with cancer, with higher levels of hope associated with greater PTG. Exploratory analyses on the subscales of the PTGI revealed that hope was also related to higher scores on the Relating to Others, New Possibilities, Personal Strength, and Appreciation of Life subscales. Spiritual Change was not related to hope in parents. Conclusions Findings suggest that experiencing hope during the pediatric cancer experience may facilitate posttraumatic growth in parents. The construct of hope may be an important target of intervention for promoting positive adjustment in this population.

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

“…Spirituality was defined as religion or religious coping and religious beliefs in five studies and as seeking a higher power or the divine in three studies . In three studies, posttraumatic growth, the development of new values, and clarity of life priorities were depicted as part of the spiritual process during pediatric cancer treatment . Wellness and personal reflection practices, such as yoga and mindfulness, were common forms of integrating one's spirituality into daily life .…”

“…46,48,49 In three studies, posttraumatic were depicted as part of the spiritual process during pediatric cancer treatment. 39,50,51 Wellness and personal reflection practices, such as yoga and mindfulness, were common forms of integrating one's spirituality into daily life. 52,53 Spirituality for the pediatric cancer patient and family was defined through wellness, positivity, coping, distress adaptation, and life beliefs.…”

“…In addition to lacking religious diversity, the studies also lacked ethnic diversity. Most studies conducted in the United States had only small populations of African American participants, 8,34,35,41,45,46,51,52,54,61,64 Native American participants, 42,51,53 Latino participants, 8,41,42,48,51,52,56,61,64 or Asian participants. 41,42,46,51,52 Only one study specifically investigated the psychosocial/spiritual needs of families of culturally diverse backgrounds.…”

The role of personal resources in posttraumatic growth in people struggling with cancer

“…Dodatni związek między nadzieją a potraumatycznym wzrostem ujawniono u chorych na raka jamy ustnej [21], a także wśród rodziców dzieci zmagających się z chorobą nowotworową [35]. W polskich badaniach obejmujących kobiety chore onkologicznie, będące w trakcie leczenia, nadzieja podstawowa nie wiązała się bezpośred-nio z postrzeganymi korzyściami wynikającymi z doświadczenia choroby, ale sprzyjała pojawianiu się pozytywnych zmian w powiązaniu z wysokim poczuciem sensu życia [34].…”

The Impact of Cancer and its Treatment on the Growth and Development of the Pediatric Patient

“…Moreover when teens are trying to establish who they, the stress of cancer are can often lead to regression or growth (Arpawong, Oland, Milam, Ruccione, & Meeske, 2013;Hullmann, Fedele, Molzon, Mayes, & Mullins, 2014), putting them at greater or lesser ability to engage in their own health. For those experiencing what some call "post-traumatic growth", teenagers may advance in some ways to Erickson's stage of young adulthood, Intimacy vs Isolation (Arpawong et al, 2013;Hullmann et al, 2014;Stuber et al, 1996). This is a developmental phase of seeking and committing to love and relationships as a highly held goal and desire (Erikson, 1950;King et al, 2007).…”