Mobilization of the families of children with cancer in key resilience processes

A longitudinal qualitative study

Abstract

Objective: to understand the mobilization of the families of children with cancer in key resilience processes through participation in a family intervention program. Methods: a longitudinal qualitative case study was conducted involving two families of children with cancer, who were attended at an expanded clinic for research and family intervention linked to a higher education institution, located in a municipality in the Midwest region of Brazil. The theoretical framework used was the resilience model, and the methodological approach employed was qualitative content analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted before and after the families’ intervention in the program. Results: two main categories were identified, highlighting the mobilization of key family resilience processes: the strengthening of coping capacity and the improvement in communication processes. Conclusion: systematized interventions have the potential to mobilize key resilience processes, contributing to alleviating family suffering and enhancing their self-confidence in facing imposed challenges. It is noteworthy that, with interventions, families are able to mobilize key resilience processes, resulting in the mitigation of their suffering and the strengthening of their self-confidence to cope with challenges.