Exploring the role of parental guilt in the association between parental self-efficacy and adjustment disorder among parents of children diagnosed with cancer

Abstract

The diagnosis of childhood cancer poses a profound psychological crisis for parents, compelling them to reevaluate and adapt their parental roles under extreme uncertainty. Guided by transactional stress theory, this study explored parental guilt as a mediator between parental self-efficacy and adjustment disorder among parents of children with cancer. A sample of 218 Israeli parents of children with cancer completed self-report questionnaires. Parental guilt was found to fully mediate the association between parental self-efficacy and adjustment disorder, such that higher levels of parental self-efficacy were associated with lower levels of parental guilt, which, in turn, were associated with lower levels of parents' adjustment disorder. Consistent with transactional stress theory, parental self-efficacy and parental guilt represent self-appraisals that are significantly associated with how parents adjust to childhood cancer. Policymakers and healthcare professionals should address parental experiences and promote parental self-efficacy, a core component of parental identity. This can reduce parental guilt and parents' adjustment disorder.

Keywords: Adjustment disorder; Childhood cancer; Children with cancer; Parental guilt; Parental self-efficacy; Parents.