EXAMINING PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT ATTITUDES AND PSYHOSOCIAL EFFECTS IN PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH CANCER: SOCIAL SUPPORT, COPING ATTITUDES AND COMPASSION FATIGUE

Abstract

The aim of the study is to examine the relationships between perceived social support, compassion fatigue, coping attitudes, attitudes toward seeking psychological help, and personality traits among parents of children with cancer. The study was conducted using a mixed-methodapproach, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative dimension was conductedwith a total of 53 parents. In the qualitative dimension, semi-structured interviews were conductedwith 5 parents. 

Quantitative findings indicate that compassion fatigue is higher among parents with low levelsof extroversion and emotional stability. It has been concluded that as the level of social support increases, functional coping strategies are used more frequently and attitudes toward seekingpsychological help become more positive. Significant negative correlations were found betweencompassion fatigue and dysfunctional coping strategies, and positive correlations between compassionfatigue and functional coping strategies. Qualitative findings indicate that parents experience intense denial, shock, and loss of function when their children are first diagnosed, but as the treatment processprogresses, they focus on their children's care and put their own self-care needs second. It has been observed that the support participants receive, particularly from their immediate circle and children, plays a supportive role in their coping skills during this process. 

The findings indicate a need for interventions aimed at providing psychosocial support to parents, developing theircoping skills, and strengthening their social support networks.