Gender Differences in the Use of Coping Strategies among Taiwanese Parents Whose Children Have Cancer

This study explores parental gender-based similarities and differences in the use of coping strategies when their children suffer from cancer. The data from the 171 parent-couples who served as subjects for this study were selected from a larger data set of surveys from parents whose children were receiving treatment or follow-up care for cancer. The results show that no major differences were found between fathers and mothers in coping behaviors while caring for children with cancer. In addition to quantitative measure of coping behaviors, a qualitative orientation with more in-depth data is needed to explore how parents cope with children with cancer. More data are needed on additional variables that may influence coping such as the presence and severity of child's illness. Nurses need to be aware of the various coping behaviors that mothers and fathers use while caring for children with cancer. Assessment of coping strategies is a prerequisite to planning care for parents with cancer.