Family functioning in adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer: A qualitative study to better understand the interactions between the young patient and family members - parents and siblings

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. (c) 2024 Societe Franc,aise aise de Psychologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.