The mentalization of parents of children diagnosed with cancer and in palliative care

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood cancer represents the primary cause of mortality from disease among children and adolescents in Brazil. Mentalization Capacity (MC), defined as the ability to understand and interpret one’s own mental states and those of others, is a crucial factor in emotional regulation and the provision of support for children. Objective: Exploring the experiences of parents of children with cancer in palliative care (PC), with a particular emphasis on mentalization and reflective functioning. Methods: Exploratory, cross-sectional and qualitative study, consisting of a multiple case study. Results: Four cases were examined through interviews and questionnaires, elucidating the challenges encountered by the parents and the in treatment in PC. The findings suggest that parents with enhanced mentalization abilities can provide more efficacious emotional assistance to their children, throughout the course of treatment. Final thoughts: The study underscores the necessity for interventions that fortify parents’ emotional resilience, thus facilitating more comprehensive and humane care for families impacted by childhood cancer in PC.