Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2004. / Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains xi, 170 p.; also includes graphics (some col.) Includes bibliographical references (p. 158-170).

Much has been written on guiding children through trauma and life crises. Most sources focus on trauma such as violence, abuse, terminal illness or death, experienced by the children themselves. However, little has been published about a parent’s illness, especially the effects of a mother having breast cancer on her children. This research starts off by investigating the high prevalence of breast cancer in South Africa. Based on this evidence, it was argued that many families are affected, and it seems that little care, in terms of support, is given to the children of women with breast cancer. The aim of this research study was to analyse and describe the experiences and the meaning three children made whose mother was being treated with breast cancer. In the literature review, social constructionism, narrative therapy, and generally used approaches to supporting children during their parents’ illnesses were scrutinized. Thereafter, the research paradigm and design applicable to this study were examined. The emphasis was on the qualitative research paradigm, the exploratory case study design, the purposeful sample, as well as the methods used for data collection and data analysis. The data gathered during the research (therapeutic sessions with the three children), were analysed and documented. Each child’s data analysis started with a description of the child, after which a visual illustration of the analysis process and their experiences and meaning-making were discussed. According to the findings of this study, children explore their experiences and meaning-making freely in a narrative therapy approach. The experiences and the meanings they made, were unique and very different from each other. Developmental age and language usage played a role in their expression and sharing of meaning. Consequently, it would not be possible to use predetermined therapeutic ‘recipes’ or impose expert meaning onto children, since this would hinder the unique process of meaning-making and re-authoring. / Prof. J. Byrne

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2004. / Supervisor: Christopher McCarthy. Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Available also from UMI company.

Not available / text

Title from first page of PDF document. Includes bibliographical references (p. 34-37).

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)

This PhD thesis explored the experiences of dependent children and children care-givers facing challenges with their parent s cancer. The aim was to understand children s information experience including their perception of cancer and information culture; information needs, information seeking behaviour, barriers and enablers. The research used a six-stage process. This was informed by an extensive literature review and discussions with cancer specialists, psychologists and researchers from United Kingdom, United States, Australia and Malaysia. This study used a three-cycle, eight-step process of Participative Action Research (PAR) with participation from ten Malay breast cancer patients and their dependent children. Three bilingual (English and Bahasa Malaysia) instruments were developed; 1) An Inquiry to Participate Form to select participants who had dependent children, 2) Three opened-ended questions to obtain children s cancer experience and information needs where drawing was used to encourage children s responses and, 3) A 15-question questionnaire to understand children s experience and information preference. Cancer affected parenting abilities and challenging experiences identified the lack of culturally relevant information and the shift in caregiving responsibilities to dependent children. Children s understanding of cancer was influenced by their experiences and observations, many of which resulted in misconceptions about cancer, its causes, treatment and preventative measures. Children participant s reaction to a health situation triggered their information behaviour. The burden of caregiving and the consequences of a lack of information were greater than anticipated; children had many dimensions of concern and experienced many challenges. This advocated for a more assessable, attractive and sensitive information system. Data synthesis contributed to the development of a Children s Reactive Information Seeking Behaviour An Integrated Model that seeks to explain the relationship between children participants reaction to a health situation and the subsequent processes they undergo to resolve their state of information need.