Le fonctionnement familial face à l’adolescent et au jeune adulte (AJA) atteint de cancer : une étude qualitative pour mieux comprendre les interactions entre le jeune et ses proches – parents et fratrie

Objective and background

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer is a difficult and complex experience, which has major and ongoing consequences for the family and its functioning. In this context, the family need change its usual functioning to cope with the disease and its treatments. The aim of this study is to describe the interactions between the young patient and the family members – parents and siblings – in order to understand the impact of cancer on his/her family system and its functioning.

Method

We conducted a qualitative study, with individual research interviews with AYAs, mothers, fathers and siblings. The interviews (AJA = 13; parents = 11; siblings = 2) were subjected to thematic analysis.

Results

Ten major themes with sub-themes for AYAs, 10 major themes with sub-themes for parents and 6 major themes with sub-themes for siblings were identified. The results show that the patient AYA, transitioning from childhood to adulthood, can easily regress to childhood positions, becoming dependent on his family (parents and siblings), for daily care. Relatives also tend to promote this dependency by providing care for the young patient. The interactions, which develop in the family, tend to push him into a regressive functioning in order to maintain his psychological and physical survival.

Conclusion

The regressive functioning helps families to cope with cancer, and as a result the evolution of family bonds are postpone. More family-centered support is needed, focusing on the specific needs of AYAs, particularly in terms of individuation and autonomization.