Name
The Emotional Journey of Adult Children with Parent-Induced Guilt in Facing Parental Cancer: A Phenomenological Study
Description
This study examines the emotional experiences of adult children who have parent-induced guilt when they learn of a parent’s cancer diagnosis. It explores how these guilt-laden feelings shape their emotional responses and the coping strategies they develop. By focusing on both the guilt dynamic and the stress of serious illness, the study highlights the complexities of their emotional journey. Ultimately, these insights can guide mental health professionals in designing support tailored to the unique needs of families facing cancer.
Speakers
Mahsa Shahinbana, Medical Family Therapy, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
Afarin Rajaei PhD, LMFT, Associate Professor, East Carolina University, San Diego, CA
Co-Authors
Afshineh Sheikholeslami Kandelousi, PhD, Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran.
Email Address: Afshinex@gmail.com
Content Level
Intermediate
Tags
Complex Patient Care, Outcomes, Population and public health
Session Type
Poster
SIG or Committee
Families and Health (F&H)
Objective 1
Describe common emotional challenges and coping responses that adult children experiencing parent-induced guilt face when their parent is diagnosed with cancer.
Objective 2
Identify the importance of paying attention to parent-induced guilt in adult children caring for a parent with cancer, and assess and address its impact on family well-being.
Objective 3
Discuss the role of behavioral health therapists in integrated care settings when working with the patients’ adult children experiencing parent-induced guilt.
Content Reference 1
Sak‐Dankosky, N., Sherwood, P., Vehviläinen‐Julkunen, K., & Kvist, T. (2022). Interventions improving well‐being of adult cancer patients’ caregivers: A systematic review. Journal of advanced nursing, 78(9), 2747-2764.
Content Reference 2
Esmaeli, M., Sheikholeslami Kandelousi, A., & Salimi Bajestani, H. (2021). Perception of Guilty Feeling Transmitted from Parents: A Qualitative Research. Family Counseling and Psychotherapy, 11(1), 267-300.
Content Reference 3
Gazzillo, F., Gorman, B., Bush, M., Silberschatz, G., Mazza, C., Faccini, F., ... & De Luca, E. (2017). Reliability and validity of the Interpersonal Guilt Rating Scale-15: A new clinician-reporting tool for assessing interpersonal guilt according to control-mastery theory. Psychodynamic psychiatry, 45(3), 362-384.
Content Reference 4
Guerra-Martín, M. D., Casado-Espinosa, M. D. R., Gavira-López, Y., Holgado-Castro, C., López-Latorre, I., & Borrallo-Riego, Á. (2023). Quality of life in caregivers of cancer patients: a literature review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(2), 1570.
Content Reference 5
Taylor, J., Fradgley, E., Clinton-McHarg, T., Byrnes, E., & Paul, C. (2021). What are the sources of distress in a range of cancer caregivers? A qualitative study. Supportive Care in Cancer, 29, 2443-2453.