Relationship of external influence to parental distress in decision making regarding children with a life-threatening illness

J Pediatr Psychol. 2011 Nov-Dec;36(10):1102-12. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsr033. Epub 2011 Jun 21.

Abstract

Objective: To examine the relationship of external influence to parental distress when making a decision about research or treatment for a child with a life-threatening illness and to test potential moderators of this relationship.

Methods: Parents (n = 219) who made a decision about research or treatment for a child completed measures of external influence, distress, decision-making preference, and coping.

Results: More external influence was associated with more hostility, uncertainty, and confusion. Decision-making preference and coping style moderated the relationship between external influence and distress: More external influence was associated with more distress when decision-making preference was low and task-focused coping was high.

Conclusions: External influence appears to be related to distress in parents making research and treatment decisions for children with life-threatening illnesses. However, it is important to consider parent characteristics, such as decision-making preference and coping style, when examining the effects of contextual factors on distress during decision making.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Decision Making*
  • Emotions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Informed Consent
  • Male
  • Neoplasms / psychology
  • Parent-Child Relations
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires