Abstract
Purpose: This is the first study in Switzerland to report on psychological adjustment in children of a parent with cancer using a web-based intervention during cancer therapy.
Design/Sample: Twenty-two families participated in this randomized controlled web-based intervention program.
Methods: Quality of life and emotional–behavioral well-being of children were examined using child self-reports, and parent proxy-reports. Furthermore, family communication and satisfaction and feedback on the web-based program were assessed.
Findings: Children’s first stage adjustment to parental cancer did not show detrimental patterns. The “lesson learned” in this setting emphasizes the challenge to reach families in need. The web-based program was appreciated as an additional source of information and support in this mostly highly functioning population.
Conclusion: While feasibility was shown, it remains unclear how to contact families with lower psychosocial functioning.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.