PTSS in parents of children with brain tumours

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Factors that predict post-traumatic stress symptoms in parents of children with a brain tumour

  • IRAS ID

    230003

  • Contact name

    Briony Westgate

  • Contact email

    b.westgate@uea.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of East Anglia

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 7 months, 27 days

  • Research summary

    This study aims to look at post-traumatic stress symptoms in parents of children who have been diagnosed with a brain tumour. Post-traumatic stress symptoms refer to a range of possible symptoms such as having flashbacks, nightmares, trouble concentrating and feeling numb. Previous research has looked at parents of children with all forms of cancer and has found that many suffer from post-traumatic stress following their child’s diagnosis. Less research has looked at this in a brain tumour population. This study will explore what factors might predict post-traumatic stress in parents of children with a brain tumour.

    The study will ask parents to complete questionnaires either on paper or online. Questionnaire measures that look at post-traumatic stress, support, coping and children’s behaviour will be used. Parents of children 4-16 years will be included and both mums and dads of these children can take part. The children will be from six months to five years post-diagnosis. The study will look at predictors of post-traumatic stress symptoms. It will also investigate whether there are any differences in mothers’ and fathers’ post-traumatic stress levels, style of coping, and level of social support.

    There is little research to date relating to post-traumatic stress in this population and this study aims to provide a better understanding of this area. It may also aid the understanding of risk factors for post-traumatic stress symptoms in these parents and help to guide psychological interventions for these families.

  • REC name

    Social Care REC

  • REC reference

    18/IEC08/0002

  • Date of REC Opinion

    12 Mar 2018

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion