Gender and emotions: Icelandic parents experiencing childhood cancer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate gender difference and the level of well-being among 26 Icelandic parents of children under 18 years with cancer and to compare mothers' and fathers' caregiving demands. Contrary to expectations, there was no overall significant difference between mothers' and fathers' well-being or their caregiving demands. On the other hand, the level of well-being was significantly different between the parents; 56% of the mothers showed clinically or problem-indicative stress, compared to 26.3% of the fathers. These findings emphasize the impact of cancer in children on parents' well-being and caregiving activities. Interventions focusing on the general well-being of mothers and fathers might benefit the parents as well as other members of the family.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)531-538
Number of pages8
JournalInternational Journal of Nursing Studies
Volume42
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2005

Bibliographical note

Funding Information: The author wishes to thank all the families that participated in the study. Anna Olafia Sigurdardottir, RN, MSc and Sigrun Thoroddsdottir, RN are especially thanked for their participation in the data collection. This study was funded by a grant from the University of Iceland, the University Research Fund.

Other keywords

  • Caregiving
  • Children with cancer
  • Gender
  • Parents' well-being

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