Emotions and coping methods of Turkish parents of children with cancer

Objective: This hermeneutic phenomenological study was conducted with the aim to determine the emotions and coping methods of Turkish parents whose children were diagnosed with cancer.

Methods: Data were collected through in-person, in-depth interviews with 12 parents (8 mothers, 4 fathers). The semi-structured interview form was developed based on Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's model of the five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance) with the addition of questions on coping methods.

Data interpretation proceeded through three phases: superficial reading, structural analysis and comprehensive understanding.

Results: All the parents made statements indicating their devastation while expressing their feelings at the moment they learned of the diagnosis. After overcoming the first shock, most thought it was a false diagnosis, and some thought it was a test from God. The parents were angry mostly with the doctors, themselves, their spouses and God. All the parents participating in the study stated that they had regrets about the past. Most engaged in more emotion-oriented and fewer problem-focused coping efforts. However, some parents used negative coping methods.

Conclusion: These parents need help from healthcare professionals to come to terms with their grief.