Predictors of distress in parents of children with cancer: A prospective study

Objective: To investigate levels of psychological distress in parents of ch ildren with cancer and relationships between distress and measures of illne ss variables, appraisal, psychosocial resources and coping strategies. Methods: Questionnaires were completed by 68 mothers and 58 fathers at 6 (T ime 1) and 18 (Time 2) months postdiagnosis. Results: High levels of distress for 51% of mothers and around 40% of fathe rs were apparent at both time points, with little change over time. For mot hers, their appraisal of the strain of the illness, and their own ability t o deal with it, and family cohesion were predictive of distress, both concu rrently and prospectively, and, at Time 1, greater use of self-directed cop ing strategies was related to higher levels of distress. For fathers, risk factors of employment problems (Time 1) and the number of the child's hospi tal admissions (Time 2) were significant, along with appraisal and family c ohesion. Conclusions: Continuation of high levels of distress over time points to th e importance of identification of those at risk at an early stage and provi sion of ongoing support. Implications for such support are discussed.