Health behaviour and posttraumatic growth in parents of childhood cancer survivors
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2009 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Psychology & Health |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Psychology |
| Keywords | health behaviour; posttraumatic growth; childhood cancer survivors; family |
| Description | The goal of the study was to analyse perceived benefits and looses in parents of childhood cancer survivors 2 to 5 years after the treatment and to identify main domains of a parents posttraumatic growth (PTG). We used free responses method for description and subjective evaluation of positive and negative influence of childs illness on particular domains of family life (health, married life, social relations and others). We used content analysis to analyse statements of 120 parents who have entered the study since 2006. The analysis of parents statements of perceived benefits lead to an identification of main domains of PTG (changed perception of self, changes in relating to others and changed life-philosophy). Within the categories of PTG specific subcategories related to health were distinguished. Changes in health-related behaviour were identified as important aspects of PTG. The interventions facilitating PTG and supporting health behaviour were suggested |