Coping with family members of children and adolescents with cancer: a quantitative approach

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the coping of family members of children and adolescents with câncer. A quantitative approach was used through the application of the Scale of Problem Coping Modes and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Method: Factor analysis of the scale was performed, as well as statistical tests to verify associations between variables (p<0.05). Results: We verified the variability of the coping strategies used by the family members. The mean scores for problem-focused coping and religious practices were the highest, revealing a greater use of these two types of strategies by the participants. Conclusions: Confronting the genders, men use as main coping strategies those focused on the problem and the search for social support; while women rely on the problem and the search for religious practices. The way a person faces the disease is not related to color, kinship, and education.

Keywords

• malignant neoplasm
• kid
• adolescent
• coping strategies
• family caregivers