Examining perceptions of adjustment, communication, and relationship quality between mothers and daughters when a mother has breast cancer

Abstract

Previous research has indicated that parents may be poor perceivers of their children’s coping and adjustment to parental cancer. However, it is unclear as to whether children have accurate perceptions of their parents’ adjustment during this time, or if parents and children have similar perceptions of their communication and their relationship. Additionally, adolescent daughters of mothers with cancer have been identified as a group of children at risk for developing psychosocial problems following a mothers’ diagnosis. Differences in perceptions of adjustment, communication, and relationship quality were investigated between mothers and daughters when a mother has breast cancer. Twenty-three mother-daughter pairs completed a cross-sectional survey. Results indicated that daughters had accurate perceptions of their mothers’ adjustment; however, significant discrepancies were identified in mothers’ perceptions of their daughters’ adjustment. Mothers and daughters also indicated similar perceptions of their relationship and communication. Limitations, implications, and recommendations for future research are discussed.