The significance of motherhood for adolescents whose mothers have breast cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To describe adolescents' experiences of living with mothers with breast cancer.


METHODS
Qualitative.


METHODS
Northeastern United States.


METHODS
11 adolescents aged 13-19 years whose mothers were diagnosed with breast cancer within a year prior to the study.


METHODS
With Van Manen's phenomenologic interpretive paradigm, multiple levels of analysis of transcribed semistructured interviews yielded common themes and a unique account and understanding of adolescents' lives when their mothers have breast cancer.


METHODS
Adolescent coping and maternal breast cancer.


RESULTS
Five distinct themes were identified: life changed, turning to self, learning to be with my mother, needing to normalize, and speaking openly--the importance of communication. Study findings uncovered the powerful role mothers held in the adolescents' lives.


CONCLUSIONS
The depth of the feelings and conflicts expressed by the adolescent participants, who appeared to be coping with their mothers' breast cancer, emphasizes the need to explore coping responses used in adolescent adjustment to maternal breast cancer. Given that all the adolescents reported some level of anxiety and conflict in their lives, further research should address factors that underlie their coping mechanisms.


CONCLUSIONS
Study findings and insights underscore the significance of the maternal-adolescent relationship. Healthcare professionals need to ask more directed questions and develop interviewing and counseling skills to support mothers through this difficult illness. Adolescent children require support and guidance in coping with their mothers' breast cancer journey.
Clemmens
Donna A
DA
College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA. dc70@nyu.edu
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult