When a child has cancer : the constructed experiences of mothers of children with cancer

• Main Author: Masisi, Itumeleng Montsokolo
• Other Authors: Papikonomou, Maria
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: Childhood cancer; Psycho-oncology; Primary caregiver; Social constructionism; Qualitative research; Case study; Thematic analysis; Mothers; 155.916; Cancer in children; Cancer in children > Psychological aspects; Parents of terminally ill children > Social networks; Cancer > Patients > Family relationships; Coping mechanisms
• Online Access: Masisi, Itumeleng Montsokolo (2017) When a child has cancer : the constructed experiences of mothers of children with cancer, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/24021>; http://hdl.handle.net/10500/24021

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the roles and responsibilities of family members change to accommodate the demands of the illness. The current study aimed to explore the experiences of mothers of children with cancer, focusing on their constructed roles within the family context and their social support. A case study design within the qualitative research approach was employed, underpinned by social constructionism as a theoretical framework. Three mothers were selected, using a combination of purposive and snowball sample techniques. Rich descriptive data were collected from three mothers through semi-structured interviews and reflective essays, and analysed using thematic analysis techniques. Results showed that although mothers of children with cancer experience some common themes, there are contextual differences influencing how they construct their stories. The following main themes were identified in the comparative analysis: events leading to the diagnosis, emotions, life changes, the effect of the illness and coping. === Psychology === M.A. (Psychology)