Understanding adolescent adjustment to maternal cancer

Abstract

Background The objective of this study was to understand adolescent adjustment to maternal cancer. It also includes the maternal perspective on the adolescent’s experience, an area that has received scant attention to date. Method In this qualitative study ten adolescents between 14 and 19 years of age and ten mothers with cancer diagnosis in the previous two years participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Adolescent interviews identified that the experience for adolescents is not a linear process but is linked to phases of maternal illness: adjustment, treatment and after treatment. Use of varied coping strategies, conflict and role changes and benefit finding featured in the themes. Maternal interviews identified themes which included a process/developmental account of adolescent adjustment, disclosure and conserving the family. Discussion This study provides an important insight into adolescent adjustment to maternal cancer including difficulties, challenges and positive growth. Maternal and adolescents perspectives allow identification of similarities and discrepancies in the experience which provides information that may be used to enhance the adjustment of adolescents and their families.