Comparison of coping style between mothers and fathers

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    A comparison of coping styles between mothers and fathers who have a child diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL): an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis(IPA).

  • IRAS ID

    151602

  • Contact name

    Sarah Wilson

  • Contact email

    sarah.wilson@glasgow.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    NHS GGC

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 7 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Background
    Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) is a cancer of the white blood cells. As with any chronic childhood illness, having a child diagnosed with ALL can be a stressful time for parents. Mothers and fathers may cope differently from each other. Previous research has shown that a difference in coping between mothers and fathers can cause parents to feel isolated from each other (Adams-Greenly 1986).

    Aims
    A semi structured interview will explore whether there are differences in the way that mothers and fathers cope and the way in which they access support.

    Method
    A small version of the Advertisement Poster (v2 15.10.14) will be attached to an order form for a blood test at the clinic.
    The poster, along with information packs, will also be placed in the clinic at The Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHSC). Parents will be able to freely take a pack if they are interested. Paediatric Oncology Outlook Nurses (POONs) will also invite them to take an information pack if they are interested. It is hoped that 8 parents will participate (4 mothers and 4 fathers from different parental dyads). Written consent will be obtained prior to interview.

    Data collection/analysis
    The interview will be recorded using a digital voice recorder. Interviews will be transcribed and anonymised for references to persons or places. The transcriptions will be printed to make for easier analysispaper copies will be kept in the researchers locked filing cabinet at RHSC. The researcher will analyse the transcripts in accordance with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). This will be done by first listening to the recordings and then repeated readings of the transcripts. The researcher will identify significant comments from each transcription and group comments in to relevant themes.

    Implications
    It is hoped that the findings will inform clinical practice within the Clinical Psychology Unit at RHSC.

  • REC name

    East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    14/EM/1238

  • Date of REC Opinion

    12 Nov 2014

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion