Latent profiles of problem-solving skills and their association with depressive symptoms in parents of children with cancer: A cross-sectional study

Objective: Depressive symptoms are prevalent among parents of children with cancer, significantly impacting their well-being. Problem-solving skills, strongly linked to depressive symptoms, offer a promising avenue for intervention. This study aimed to identify latent profiles of parental problem-solving skills and evaluate differences in depressive symptoms across these profiles.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 318 parents of children with cancer in mainland China. Self-reported data on demographics, problem-solving skills, and depressive symptoms were collected. Latent profile analysis was used to classify parental problem-solving skills into distinct profiles, and multiple logistic regression identified predictors of profile membership.

Results: Three profiles of problem-solving skills were identified: (1) problem-oriented and constructive (n ​= ​94, 29.6%), (2) impulsivity-oriented and irrational (n ​= ​76, 23.9%), and (3) emotion-oriented and avoidant (n ​= ​148, 46.5%). Parents with higher education, greater income, and urban residency were more likely to belong to the problem-oriented group. Fathers predominated in the impulsivity-oriented group, while mothers were more represented in the emotion-oriented group. Significant differences in depressive symptoms were observed across profiles, with the problem-oriented group reporting the lowest levels.

Conclusions: This study highlights the heterogeneity of problem-solving skills among parents of children with cancer and underscores the need for tailored interventions. Addressing specific characteristics of each profile can improve parental well-being and provide targeted support for this vulnerable population.

Trial registration: ChiCTR2300071828.