Post-traumatic growth in family members of childhood cancer survivors—an updated systematic review

Abstract

Abstract Background: Childhood cancer affects not only the patients, but their entire family. We systematically reviewed recent evidence of post-traumatic growth (PTG) among family members of childhood cancer survivors (CCS). Methods: We updated a systematic review of PTG among family members of CCS (including new evidence from March 2010 to December 2021). We screened 4 databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and SCOPUS). Key study information and results were extracted for the quality appraisal. We narratively synthesized the evidence for reported levels and domains of PTG in caregivers (aim 1) and siblings (aim 2) and associated sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics (aim 3) in families of CCS. Results: Of the 646 identified articles, 16 met eligibility criteria. Eleven studies used quantitative (all cross-sectional), 3 qualitative, and 2 mixed methods. Participants included parents and other primary caregivers (11 studies), grandparents (1 study), and siblings (5 studies). Most caregivers reported high levels of PTG, most often involving personal growth and stronger/closer family relationships. Siblings reported low-to-moderate PTG, with an emphasis on appreciating life and becoming more independent and mature. While sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were not associated with PTG, psychosocial factors such as personal resources, including social support and coping strategies, were associated with PTG outcomes. Conclusion: In the past decade, few studies have assessed PTG among families of CCS despite the call to focus on families in a previous review. We found that social support and proactive coping strategies may be the most helpful in promoting PTG.