Coping with parental cancer: web-based peer support in children.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the use and content of web-based peer support in children coping with parental cancer.


METHODS
In children aged above 12 years, 158 forum discussions on the Dutch website www.kankerspoken.nl in a time-period of 3 months were investigated. Age, gender, number of discussions, participation and main activities on the website were quantitatively assessed. Contents of the discussions were qualitatively analyzed.


RESULTS
In total, 129 children and 8 adults participated on the website with an average age of 15.3 years. The majority was female (80%). On average, a child was on-line for 3 days and participated in 4 to 5 forum discussions. Main activities on the website were sharing personal experience, providing encouragement/support, providing and seeking information or advice and seeking contact outside of the website. Qualitative content analysis revealed that children regularly faced emotional problems and experienced a lack of understanding and communication in their direct environment.


CONCLUSIONS
In dealing with parental cancer, children experience a variety of difficulties. This study offers a window into the use of web-based peer support by children dealing with parental cancer.
Giesbers
J
J
Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Verdonck-de Leeuw
I M
IM
van Zuuren
F J
FJ
Kleverlaan
N
N
van der Linden
M H
MH
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D009426:Netherlands; D010379:Peer Group; D012944:Social Support; D012984:Software; D055815:Young Adult