Coping with breast cancer together: Challenging topics for mothers and their adolescent-young adult (AYA) daughters Journal Article


Authors: Fisher, C. L.; Kastrinos, A.; Piemonte, N.; Canzona, M. R.; Wolf, B.; Pipe, T.
Article Title: Coping with breast cancer together: Challenging topics for mothers and their adolescent-young adult (AYA) daughters
Abstract: Background. The mother-daughter relationship can be central to women who are coping with breast cancer and provide a key source of support. However, the adolescent and young adult (AYA) daughters of diagnosed mothers have been known to exhibit notable distress during this time, withdrawing and avoiding communication, further challenging their ability to cope together. Objective. We sought to identify challenging topics that contribute to this avoidant mother–daughter communication pattern, as a first step in helping mothers and AYA daughters facilitate health-promoting communication. Methods. We examined thematically analyzed transcripts of one-on-one, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 27 women (12 mother–daughter dyads). Results. We to identified 3 broad topics that were challenging to discuss: daughters’ future breast cancer risk; emotionally related concerns; and clinical and physical aspects of disease. Thematic properties illustrate the challenging nature of each topic that informed their ability to communally cope together. Implications. Findings provide an initial roadmap for developing communication skills interventions that help mothers and AYA daughters navigate challenging conversations and facilitate communal coping. © 2021 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Keywords: adolescent; young adult; breast cancer; psychology; breast neoplasms; adaptation, psychological; medical information; breast tumor; communication; coping behavior; mother; mothers; health communication; coping; mother child relation; mother-child relations; daughter; nuclear family; humans; human; female; aya
Journal Title: Journal of Psychosocial Oncology
Volume: 40
Issue: 6
ISSN: 0734-7332
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group  
Date Published: 2022-01-01
Start Page: 756
End Page: 769
Language: English
DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2021.2005734
PUBMED: 34898401
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC10360048
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 1 December 2022 -- Source: Scopus
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