Parental psychological adjustment in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia: The mediating role of family functioning and resilience

Background/Objectives: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric cancer, with intense treatments affecting both children and their families. Limited information is available on parental distress and psychological well-being during the first treatment year, with most studies focusing on individuals rather than the family system. This study explores longitudinal changes in parental distress (psychological morbidity and traumatic stress symptoms), coping strategies, family resilience and functioning, and psychological well-being. The study also examines the mediating roles of family resilience, family functioning, and coping strategies in the relationships between parental distress and psychological well-being. Methods: A prospective study was conducted with 46 parents of children newly diagnosed with ALL, assessing parental distress, family functioning and resilience, coping, and psychological well-being across three treatment phases: consolidation (T0), delayed intensification (T1), and maintenance (T2). Results: Parental distress and family resilience significantly decreased from T0 to T2, while parental coping improved over time. Family functioning deteriorated from T0 to T1, stabilizing thereafter. Psychological well-being followed a non-linear trajectory, initially declining from T0 to T1 and improving from T1 to T2. Mediation analyses revealed that family resilience and family functioning partially mediated the relationships between parental distress and psychological well-being. Parental coping did not emerge as a mediator. Conclusions: Parental psychological adjustment in the context of ALL is dynamic and influenced by individual and family factors. Interventions that strengthen family functioning and resilience are crucial for supporting parental psychological well-being during treatment. A family-centered approach in healthcare delivery is essential to address individual and systemic challenges.
This study was conducted at the Psychology Research Centre (CIPsi/UM), School of Psychology, University of Minho, supported by the Foundation for Science and Technology [Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P] (FCT) through the Portuguese State Budget (UIDB/01662/2020). The first author (A.F.) was supported by a Ph.D. fellowship from FCT (grant number: 2020.09043.BD).