Experiences of Parents of Children with Cancer During Their Child’s Illness: A Qualitative Interview Study in a Spanish Context

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Childhood cancer profoundly affects families, particularly parents, who assume demanding caregiving roles associated with significant emotional and social burden that remain underexplored qualitatively. To explore the experiences of parents of children with cancer during the disease process: diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and their child’s progress. Methods: An exploratory qualitative interview study was conducted using individual semi-structured interviews with six parents of children with cancer in Spain. Participants were intentionally recruited through a parent association. Interviews were conducted online, audio- and video-recorded with consent, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke. Sullivan’s interpersonal theory was subsequently used as a conceptual framework to interpret the emerging themes, particularly in relation to interpersonal anxiety, security, emotional regulation, and significant relationships. Results: Six parents were included in the analysis, representing heterogeneous clinical trajectories, including active treatment, remission, and bereavement. Five axes, 12 categories, and 52 codes were identified. Parents described uncertainty and emotional disruption around diagnosis, the coexistence of perceived strength and distress during treatment, changes in family and interpersonal relationships, continuing concerns following remission, and profound grief and continuing bonds following the death of a child. These findings were interpreted through Sullivan’s interpersonal framework. Conclusions: This exploratory study suggests that parents’ experiences of childhood cancer are shaped by changes in interpersonal relationships, emotional regulation, perceived security, and support networks across different phases of the illness. The findings highlight potential areas for psychosocial support, although they should be interpreted cautiously given the small and heterogeneous sample.