Analysis of dyadic relationships between mothers and adolescents cancer survivors using the actor-partner interdependence model

Abstract

Teenagers’ situation in remission phase is described as being complicated, particularly because they are neither sick nor cured. This phase is likely to affect their quality of life. The understanding of this situation involves the identification of the disease impact on the mothers who are often very concerned during this period. The main objective of this research is to identify what positively affects teenagers quality of life, while considering the possible influence of maternal resources. To examine each member of the dyad influence, 100 dyads will respond to different questionnaires measuring self-regulation, as well as emotional and subjective well-being. Will be used during data analysis phase: 1/ Regression analysis: to identify predictive variables of a higher quality of life among adolescents in remission; 2/ Moderator analysis: to study the influence of mothers quality of life (as a moderating variable) on teenagers in remission quality of life; 3/ Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (Cook & Kenny, 2006): to assess the extent to which adolescents quality of life is influenced by mothers resources and to analyze mutual influences. We hope this study will allow us to highlight the most predictive maternal resources of a good quality of life among teenagers in remission, and a better understanding of dyadic challenges after cancer treatment. We are currently reviewing the literature, and will start the analysis of reciprocal influences using the Actor-Partner Interdependance Model. This study should have implications for prevention and intervention programs that focus on parenting in adolescents cancer survivors.