Parental communication and children's behaviour following diagnosis of childhood leukaemia.
Many parents find decisions about what to tell their child with cancer difficult. Open communication is generally considered the best policy and most health care professionals encourage parents to talk openly and honestly about the illness. However, parents differ in their views about what to tell the child. In this study 55 parents of children (36 boys and 19 girls, mean age = 7.33 years) newly diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) were interviewed about (i) the child's reactions and behaviour following diagnosis, (ii) their views about what to tell their child and (iii) factors influencing parents' communication with the child. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Most children showed behavioural and mood difficulties after diagnosis. Older children were given more information. In addition, parents' perceptions of childhood cancer affect the way they communicate with their child. These findings may be used to inform training packages in order to facilitate improved communication amongst health professionals.
Clarke
Sally-Ann
SA
Department of Psychology, Cancer Research, Child Health Psychology, Child and Family Research Group, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TP, UK. s.a.clarke@sheffield.ac.uk
Davies
Helena
H
Jenney
Meriel
M
Glaser
Adam
A
Eiser
Christine
C
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000339:Affect; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D014342:Truth Disclosure
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents