The experience of parenting a child with a brain tumour
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the Experience of Parenting a child with a brain tumour: A focus on adjustment at diagnosis and the impact on parenting
IRAS ID
329433
Contact name
Stephen Weatherhead
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 30 days
Research summary
A diagnosis of a brain tumour can have a significant impact on the psychological well-being of parents/caregivers and the family. Parenting a child with a brain tumour has been found to significantly impact mental health and quality of life and is associated with stress and burnout.
Parents of children who have survived a brain tumour suffer ongoing difficulties post-treatment as their child may now have new care needs and families are required to adjust and adapt their lives while holding fears for their child's health.There is a need to develop a current understanding of parents experiences and factors that help or hinder adjustment. In particular there is a lack of research that includes the fathers perspective.
Parents/caregivers of children who have received a diagnosis of a brain tumour will be recruited from Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. They will be invited to participate in an interview which will last approximately 60 minutes. Questions will ask about experiences of parenting, considering diagnosis, treatment, and factors that help and hinder adjustment. The study aims to explore parents' lived experiences in order to inform support for families of a child with a brain tumour.
The study is funded by the University of Liverpool, as part of a Doctoral-level project. The student researcher is currently enrolled on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology programme.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0138
Date of REC Opinion
28 Mar 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion