Stronger together: Psychological support for parents of a child with cancer

Parents of children diagnosed with cancer are at increased risk of developing mental health difficulties. In addition, many parents report problems in their intimate relationships.

Parental psychological wellbeing and relationship functioning affect children in general, and particularly children undergoing severe experiences such as cancer. Providing parents with the help and support they need is therefore not only beneficial for the parents themselves, but also crucial for ensuring the wellbeing of the child affected by cancer. However, interventions that can support couples after their child has been diagnosed with cancer are currently lacking. This research project therefore evaluates an evidence-based couples therapy intervention (Emotionally Focused Therapy [EFT]) for parents of children with cancer. EFT aims to strengthen security, communication, and psychological wellbeing within the couple. Although previous research has shown that EFT significantly improves both relationship quality and individual wellbeing, it has not previously been evaluated for parents of children with cancer. The project includes both qualitative interviews in which parents are asked about their relationship difficulties following their child’s cancer diagnosis, a pilot study examining the feasibility of EFT, and a national randomised controlled trial evaluating its effectiveness. The research project began in 2023 and is planned to continue until 2027. If EFT proves beneficial for parents and/or children, it will subsequently be made available within healthcare services.