Posttraumatic stress symptoms in parents of children with newly diagnosed cancer: 1-year trajectories and relationship variables as predictors.
Alexandra J VogtLasse BartelsMichael GrotzerGuy BodenmannKurt LeibundgutRössler JochenMarkus Andreas LandoltPublished in: Journal of pediatric psychology (2024)
The findings provide new insights into the critical period of the first year after a child's cancer diagnosis. While most parents display a resilient, low PTSS trajectory, a minority consistently experience high PTSS levels. Child's physical impairment and dyadic coping should be considered as predictors for early identification of vulnerable parents. Incorporating dyadic coping in parental support following a childhood cancer diagnosis could be beneficial for parental mental health.