When Lightning Strikes Twice: Perceptions of Oncology Social Workers about Working with Families with Two Members in Treatment
Abstract
This study explored social workers’ perceptions of working with families who have a parent and child concurrently in active cancer treatment. The aims of the study were to: 1) describe perceptions of quality of life, social support, resiliency, and loss for families with a child and parent concurrently in treatment; 2) describe resources and gaps in resources; and 3) identify social work resources; and 4) determine whether these vary based on primary population. This was a cross-sectional, qualitative study. The sample was 20 female social workers. Seven themes emerged from the data. The multiple diagnoses added an extra layer of complexity and trauma, and amplified the families’ sense of loss, vulnerability, and mortality. This study fills gaps in the knowledge base on both the experiences and needs of families with a parent and child concurrently in cancer treatment, as well as the experience of social workers who help these families.
Subject Area
Social work|Oncology|Public health
Recommended Citation
Barnhart, Meredith, "When Lightning Strikes Twice: Perceptions of Oncology Social Workers about Working with Families with Two Members in Treatment" (2020). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI27957066.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI27957066
