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Petermann-Meyer A, Panse JP, Bremen R, Dohmen M, Drueke B, Geiser F, Haastert B, Heier L, Heuser C, Holsteg S, Icks A, Karger A, Nakata H, Viehmann A, Brümmendorf TH, Ernstmann N. Effectiveness of a comprehensive support program for families with parental cancer (Family-SCOUT): results of a multicenter non-randomized controlled trial. ESMO Open 2024; 9:103493. [PMID: 38848662 PMCID: PMC11214994 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.103493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer patients with minor children but also their families suffer from significant psychological distress and comorbidity. Protective factors predicting successful coping are well known. Corresponding systematic interventions are rare and limited by access barriers. We developed a comprehensive family-centered intervention for cancer patients with at least one dependent minor. PATIENTS AND METHODS Family-SCOUT represents a multicentric, prospective, interventional, and controlled study for families with parental cancer and their minor children. In the intervention group (IG), all family members were addressed using a care and case management approach for nine months. Families in the control group (CG) received standard of care. Participating parents were asked to complete the Hospital-Anxiety-Depression-Scale (HADS) questionnaire at enrolment (T0) and after 9 months (T2). The primary outcome was a clinically relevant reduction of distress in at least one parent per family, measured as minimal important difference (MID) of ≥1.6 in the HADS total score. The percentage of families achieving MID is compared between the IG and CG by exact Fisher's test, followed by multivariate confounder analyses. RESULTS T0-questionnaire of at least one parent was available for 424 of 472 participating families, T2-questionnaire after 9 months was available for 331 families (IG n = 175, CG n = 156). At baseline, both parents showed high levels of distress (HADS total: sick parents IG: 18.7 ± 8.1; CG: 16.0 ± 7.2; healthy partners: IG: 19.1 ± 7.9; CG: 15.2 ± 7.7). The intervention was associated with a significant reduction in parental distress in the IG (MID 70.4% in at least one parent) compared with the CG (MID 55.8%; P = 0.008). Adjustment for group differences from specific confounders retained significance (P = 0.047). Bias from other confounders cannot be excluded. CONCLUSIONS Parental cancer leads to a high psychosocial burden in affected families. Significant distress reduction can be achieved through an optimized and structured care approach directed at the family level such as family-SCOUT.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Petermann-Meyer
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen; Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO(ABCD)).
| | - J P Panse
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen; Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO(ABCD))
| | - R Bremen
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen; Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO(ABCD))
| | - M Dohmen
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen; Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO(ABCD))
| | - B Drueke
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen; Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO(ABCD))
| | - F Geiser
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO(ABCD)); Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn
| | - B Haastert
- mediStatistica, Wuppertal; Institute for Health Services Research and Health Economics, Center for Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Duesseldorf
| | - L Heier
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO(ABCD)); Center for Health Communication and Health Services Research, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn; Chair for Health Services Research, Institute of Medical Sociology, Health Services Research, and Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne
| | - C Heuser
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO(ABCD)); Center for Health Communication and Health Services Research, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn; Chair for Health Services Research, Institute of Medical Sociology, Health Services Research, and Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne
| | - S Holsteg
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO(ABCD)); Clinical Institute of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Duesseldorf
| | - A Icks
- Institute for Health Services Research and Health Economics, Center for Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Duesseldorf; Institute for Health Services Research and Health Economics, German Diabetes Center, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - A Karger
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO(ABCD)); Clinical Institute of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Duesseldorf
| | - H Nakata
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO(ABCD)); Center for Health Communication and Health Services Research, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn
| | - A Viehmann
- Institute for Health Services Research and Health Economics, Center for Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Duesseldorf
| | - T H Brümmendorf
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen; Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO(ABCD))
| | - N Ernstmann
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO(ABCD)); Center for Health Communication and Health Services Research, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn; Chair for Health Services Research, Institute of Medical Sociology, Health Services Research, and Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne
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Chong YY, Temesgen WA, Chan H, Wong CL, Cheng HY. Psychosocial interventions for improving mental health and family functioning in families with parental cancer: A systematic review. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2024; 68:102505. [PMID: 38309255 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Parental cancer significantly impacts both parents and children, necessitating psychosocial interventions to enhance family well-being. This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions targeting parents with cancer on their mental health, quality of life, their children's well-being, and family functioning. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for relevant articles published from 2006 to 2023. The methodological aspects of eleven studies from diverse countries were critically evaluated. RESULTS The review included 496 parents, primarily female breast cancer patients, and their children. Narrative synthesis highlighted interventions that aimed to strengthen parent-child connection (Enhancing Connection (EC)), enhance family communication, improve psychological well-being of parents (Struggle for Life Intervention), and address children's mental health (Wonders and Worries (W&W)). Additionally, interventions like Cancer PEPSONE Program (CPP) aimed to expand social networks and support systems. These interventions demonstrated success in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms, parenting stress, and mitigating children's externalizing and internalizing problems. However, they were not exempt from methodological limitations such as participant selection bias, lack of blinding, and low follow-up rates. CONCLUSIONS Based on the review, psychological support for parents with cancer is an emerging field, predominantly explored in Western countries with a significant emphasis on maternal experiences. The early stage of this field and inherent methodological limitations warrant cautious interpretation of these findings and further research for comprehensive understanding and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuen Yu Chong
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.
| | - Worku Animaw Temesgen
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Hailey Chan
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Cho Lee Wong
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Ho Yu Cheng
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
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Alexander ES, Halkett GKB, Lawrence BJ, O’Connor M. A Conceptual Model Depicting How Children Are Affected by Parental Cancer: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Approach. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1507. [PMID: 37761468 PMCID: PMC10530185 DOI: 10.3390/children10091507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Cancer patients' children are vulnerable to psychosocial and behavioural issues. The mechanisms underlying how children are affected by their parent's diagnosis are unknown, warranting further research. This study investigated how children are affected by their parent's cancer diagnosis and provides a theoretical model conceptualising this experience. Informed by methods of grounded theory, embedded within a social constructivist framework, 38 informants (15 health professionals (HPs); 11 parents; 12 children (5 to 17 years)) were interviewed using a semi-structured format. Three themes were identified: (i) children were worried and distressed because they felt alone, (ii) parents were unable to tend to children's needs because they were overwhelmed by practical factors, and (iii) HPs were not detecting children due to barriers that affected their visibility in clinical settings. The proposed Alexander's Children's Cancer Communication (ACCC) Model and clinical recommendations made can be used to guide the clinical practice and development of future intervention research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise S. Alexander
- Discipline of Psychology, School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; (E.S.A.); (B.J.L.)
| | - Georgia K. B. Halkett
- Curtin School of Nursing/Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Blake J. Lawrence
- Discipline of Psychology, School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; (E.S.A.); (B.J.L.)
| | - Moira O’Connor
- Discipline of Psychology, School of Population Health/Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia;
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Geertz W, Frerichs W, Inhestern L, Bergelt C. Supportive and psychosocial peer-group interventions for children and adolescents of parents with cancer: A systematic review. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 114:107844. [PMID: 37331281 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children and adolescents are highly affected by their parents` cancer disease. This review aims to summarize peer-group interventions for children and adolescents of cancer patients, where those affected have the opportunity to exchange and normalize their feelings among equals. METHODS A systematic review searching four different databases (MEDLINE, PsycInfo, CINAHL and Web of Science) was conducted. We included studies investigating psychosocial peer-group interventions for offspring of cancer patients. A narrative synthesis summarised the characteristics of the interventions and the findings on effects and evaluation. RESULTS Ten articles on seven different peer-group interventions were analysed. Research designs and intervention concepts were heterogeneous. Overall, high acceptance, feasibility and positive effects of peer-group support were reported. Significant effects were found in six studies, e.g. in relation to psychological well-being, quality of life and coping skills. CONCLUSION Peer-group interventions are an accepted and helpful form of support. Providing children and adolescents of cancer patients for example with psychoeducation, community and coping strategies, thereby impacting on psychological well-being. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS For comprehensive care, it seems to be important to offer support throughout the parent's cancer journey and to offer support flexibly as needed through group services as well as individual sessions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Geertz
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Wiebke Frerichs
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Laura Inhestern
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Corinna Bergelt
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Department of Medical Psychology, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
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Allison KR, Patterson P, McDonald FE, Bibby K, Ciarrochi J, Tracey D, Hayes LL, Wright A, Konings S, Davis E, Hulbert-Williams NJ, Wakefield CE, White K. Truce: Feasibility and acceptability of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based intervention for adolescents and young adults impacted by parental cancer. JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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Kleinhaus H, Brähler E, Romer G, Ernst J. [Communicating about Parental Cancer with Minor Children: Necessity, Burden, and Issues from a Parent's Perspective]. Psychother Psychosom Med Psychol 2023; 73:85-88. [PMID: 36413984 DOI: 10.1055/a-1961-1219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In addition to coping with their own stresses, parents of minor children with cancer face the difficult task of communicating the diagnosis and its effects to their children. The aim of this study is to examine parents' perceptions of conversations with their children and to identify key topics for psychosocial support. METHODS Using a questionnaire, N=82 cancer patients with N=162 minor children were asked about their experiences when talking to their children about the disease. RESULTS Communication about the disease was perceived as necessary by most parents. This was especially the case for older children. With 143 out of 162 children (88.3%), the conversation was held. Of the 82 parents interviewed, 16.5% felt no burden as a result of the talks, 15.2% reported a very high burden. The feeling of not being able to protect the children was perceived as particularly stressful. DISCUSSION Most parents consider communication with the children to be important and seek it. However, many find this difficult, e. g. because they actually want to protect their children. Additional stress can be caused by questions from the children to which the parents cannot give an answer. CONCLUSION Psychosocial support can be helpful here. Experiences discussed by parents can help other parents in similar situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Kleinhaus
- Abteilung für Medizinische Psychologie und Medizinische Soziologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elmar Brähler
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Georg Romer
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, -psychosomatik und -psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jochen Ernst
- Abteilung für Medizinische Psychologie und Medizinische Soziologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Alexander ES, O’Connor M, Halkett GKB. The Psychosocial Effect of Parental Cancer: Qualitative Interviews with Patients' Dependent Children. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10010171. [PMID: 36670721 PMCID: PMC9857104 DOI: 10.3390/children10010171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children living with parental cancer are at an increased risk for various psychosocial, emotional, and behavioural problems. However, research regarding how children are affected by their parent's diagnosis is still developing and patients' children are typically invisible in clinical practice. This study aimed to investigate how children are affected by their parent's cancer diagnosis, from children's perspectives. METHODS Informed by methods of grounded theory and embedded within a social constructivist framework, twelve children (ranging from 5 to 17 years) living with a parent with cancer were interviewed using a semi-structured format assisted by a novel approach derived from play- and art-based developmental literature. RESULTS Findings indicate that patients' children are constantly worried and distressed, and there are barriers that can be overcome to mitigate this. Four overarching themes were identified: (I) Feeling worried and distressed; (II) Comprehending their parent's cancer diagnosis; (III) Being disconnected from their supports; and (IV) Needing someone to talk to. CONCLUSIONS Children experience considerable levels of ongoing worry and distress when a parent is diagnosed with cancer and have difficulties comprehending and articulating this. They also feel a level of disconnection from their usual support systems (e.g., parents) and are limited regarding who they can seek out and talk to. Mitigating children's ongoing worries and distress by promoting the availability and accessibility of parents and other supports to children, and reducing communication barriers between children and adults, should be a primary focus of psycho-oncology research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise S. Alexander
- Discipline of Psychology, School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Moira O’Connor
- Discipline of Psychology, School of Population Health/Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), enABLE Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Georgia K. B. Halkett
- Curtin School of Nursing/Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-8-9266-1762
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How to support parenting in patients with cancer and co-parents? From research to practice. Curr Opin Oncol 2022; 34:285-293. [PMID: 35703229 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW When a parent is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family is impacted. Patients with cancer and co-parents may no longer feel able to fulfill their parenting roles. The aims of this article are to describe interventions designed to support parenting in the oncological context and to make suggestions for the development and assessment of such interventions. RECENT FINDINGS Ten parenting support interventions published in the last 10 years in oncology were identified, among which four randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The therapeutic aims, techniques, and modalities of these interventions were heterogeneous. Five main therapeutic aims were addressed to: increase parents' knowledge, promote parents' emotion regulation, enhance parents' self-efficacy related to parenting, promote parents' support of their children's reactions and coping strategies, and promote open and appropriate parent-child communication. Few studies have combined informational resources with experiential techniques. SUMMARY Very few studies examining the efficacy of parenting support interventions have been published. There is still a need to develop, test, and compare interventions that meet the many needs of parents and their children. Suggestions are made about the contents and formats of parenting support interventions in oncology.
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Phillips F, Prezio EA, Currin-McCulloch J, Jones BL. Wonders & Worries: A randomized clinical trial of a psychosocial intervention for children who have a parent with cancer. Psychooncology 2022; 31:1399-1411. [PMID: 35470518 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of Wonders & Worries, a psychosocial intervention for children who have a parent with cancer. Primary goals were to improve family quality of life, functioning and communication skills as reported by parent and child, enhance children's emotional/behavioral adjustment and parenting efficacy, while decreasing parenting concerns and ill parents' depression and anxiety. METHODS Sixty families were recruited from a community based non-profit agency. Parents diagnosed with Stage I-III cancer and their children ages 5-14 years were enrolled and randomized into intervention (n = 32) or wait-list control groups (n = 28). Families received 2 parent consults, six weekly 1-h individual child sessions, and 1 treatment center tour. The intervention was comprised of an age-appropriate understanding of cancer and expression of feelings, coping skills to ease feelings related to parent's cancer and enhanced ability to communicate about the disease. Controls received parent consult and access to W & W resources. Data were obtained from standardized measures at baseline; 6 and 10 weeks follow up. RESULTS Intervention group significantly improved on parenting concerns, parenting self-efficacy, and family quality of life. Children in the intervention group had significantly lower emotional and behavioral problems and worries related to cancer compared to controls. The intervention failed to significantly affect ill parent's anxiety, depressed mood, family functioning and child's anxiety. CONCLUSIONS The Wonders & Worries intervention promoted positive adaptation for ill parents and their children. This intervention is promising enough to warrant further refinement and testing with larger, more diverse samples.
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