You are here

  1. Home
  2. Co-afflicted but invisible: A qualitative study of perceptions among informal caregivers in cancer care

Co-afflicted but invisible: A qualitative study of perceptions among informal caregivers in cancer care

Background: This article explores the lived experience of informal caregivers in cancer care, focusing on the perceived burden and needs of individuals seeking support from an informal group for next of kin. Methods: A total of 28 individuals who were closely related to a patient with cancer participated in focus group interviews. Findings: Three themes were identified: setting aside one's own needs, assuming the role of project manager, and losing one's sense of identity. Together they form the framing theme: being co-afflicted. Conclusions: The characteristics of informal caregivers are shown to be similar to those of people with codependency, motivating development of targeted interventions from this perspective.

Access source material through DOI
Original source (some source materials require subscription or permission to access)

Key Information

Type of Reference
Jour
Type of Work
Journal article
Publisher
Sage
ISBN/ISSN
1359-1053
Publication Year
2021
Issue Number
11
Journal Titles
Journal of Health Psychology
Volume Number
26
Start Page
1850
End Page
1859