Feeling like the sky is falling down: Experiences of parents of adolescents diagnosed with cancer in one-child families in China - A qualitative study

Background: As a result of the one-child policy of 1979, today there are numerous one-child families with adolescents in Mainland China. Little is known about the experiences of parents of such adolescents diagnosed with cancer.

Objectives: This study explored the experiences of parents whose adolescent child was diagnosed with cancer in one-child families in China.

Methods: A qualitative methodology based on hermeneutic phenomenology was employed. The participants were parents of adolescent cancer patients in one-child families. Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews and analysed using van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenological approach. The COREQ checklist was used for this study.

Results: Fourteen parents (eleven mothers, three fathers) participated in the study. One overarching theme emerged: feeling like the sky is falling down. In addition, there were five related themes: self-condemnation; 'white lies' - that is, difficulty in telling the truth; struggling with a sense of collapse; fear of losing the child and hopelessness. Almost all the participants experienced insomnia after learning about the diagnosis. In a few cases, hopelessness-induced suicidal ideation or even suicidal behaviour.

Conclusions: Parents of adolescents diagnosed with cancer in one-child families in China experienced extremely painful emotions. The truth about their child's condition not only caused immense psychological trauma but also induced pessimism about their own future.

Implications for clinical practice: The experiences of parents in one-child families where an adolescent child has been diagnosed with cancer should be taken seriously. In addition, support should be provided to help parents maintain a normal life and feel hopeful for their future.