Benefit Finding in Children with Advanced Cancer and their Parents

Abstract

Background: Although childhood cancer causes significant stress, most survivors are resilient and do not exhibit severe or lasting psychopathology. Research is limited, but some survivors may even report benefit finding or positive outcomes following this stressful life event. However, considerably less research has included families of children who are unlikely to survive their illness. Thus, this study investigated benefit finding among parents and their children with advanced cancer, as well as associated demographic and medical factors. Methods: Families (n = 57) of children with advanced cancer (ages 5-25) were recruited from a large pediatric hospital. Advanced cancer was defined as relapsed or refractory disease, a prognosis of <60%, or referral to end of life care. Participants completed a demographic survey and the Benefit Finding Scale at enrollment. Results: Children, mothers, and fathers reported moderate to high benefit finding scores. Correlations between family members were weak and non-significant. Children reported significantly higher benefit finding than fathers. Demographic and medical factors were not associated with benefit finding in children, mothers, or fathers. Conclusions: Families of children with advanced cancer reported moderate to high benefit finding regardless of background or medical factors. Children also identified benefits of their cancer experience independent of the experiences of their mothers and fathers. Larger studies should continue to examine factors associated with both positive and negative outcomes in the context of childhood cancer to inform more effective interventions.