When parenthood meets illness: A mixed methods study of psychological and relational well-being in parents with curable or incurable cancer

Research examining how psychological and relational experiences differ between parents of dependent children living with curable or incurable cancer is limited. This study presents a secondary analysis of longitudinal data examining the impact of cancer on mental health and relational wellbeing of parents with dependent children. Participants’ free-text responses were analyzed using a convergent mixed-methods design. Qualitative content analysis identified three categories, which were coded as present or absent for each participant: The emotional and personal burden of cancer, Impact of cancer on families, couples, and social relationships , and The role of healthcare in supporting or undermining well-being . Category frequencies were statistically compared between parents with curable and incurable cancer. Psychological and relational experiences were similar across groups, particularly regarding emotional, relational, and healthcare-related challenges. These findings suggest that such challenges may be shaped more by parental role, life context, and access to systemic support than by disease curability.