Childhood cancer, as a chronic and complex disease, affects not only the affected child but also all family members, especially mothers. Mothers, in their role as primary caregivers, face numerous psychological, emotional, social, and economic pressures that severely impact their quality of life and mental health. This qualitative study, employing thematic analysis, explores the lived experiences of mothers of children with cancer. Data were collected through 12 semi-structured interviews and analyzed using a three-stage coding process. The data analysis resulted in the extraction of six main themes: initial psychological reactions (such as disbelief and shock), conflicting emotional processes (hope and despair), distressing experiences and multifaceted pressures (financial, physical, social), spiritual and meaning-giving resources (trust, religious beliefs), interaction with the healthcare and service system, and social and emotional support networks. Mothers, in the course of confronting the disease, rely on strategies such as trust in God, hope, social support, and gradual acceptance of the situation to achieve psychological adaptation. The findings emphasize the necessity of designing and implementing multidimensional supportive interventions (psychological, social, spiritual, and economic) to improve mothers' mental health and empowerment. These findings can also serve as a basis for policymaking and specialized services in the fields of psychotherapy and pediatric oncology.
Nemat Saatloo,F , Jaafari,F and a,M . (2025). "Challenges and coping mechanisms of mothers of children with cancer: A qualitative study based on thematic analysis". Journal of Social Work Research, 12(44), 71-114. doi: 10.22054/rjsw.2026.87712.837
MLA
Nemat Saatloo,F , , Jaafari,F , and a,M . ""Challenges and coping mechanisms of mothers of children with cancer: A qualitative study based on thematic analysis"", Journal of Social Work Research, 12, 44, 2025, 71-114. doi: 10.22054/rjsw.2026.87712.837
HARVARD
Nemat Saatloo F, Jaafari F, a M. (2025). '"Challenges and coping mechanisms of mothers of children with cancer: A qualitative study based on thematic analysis"', Journal of Social Work Research, 12(44), pp. 71-114. doi: 10.22054/rjsw.2026.87712.837
CHICAGO
F Nemat Saatloo, F Jaafari and M a, ""Challenges and coping mechanisms of mothers of children with cancer: A qualitative study based on thematic analysis"," Journal of Social Work Research, 12 44 (2025): 71-114, doi: 10.22054/rjsw.2026.87712.837
VANCOUVER
Nemat Saatloo F, Jaafari F, a M. "Challenges and coping mechanisms of mothers of children with cancer: A qualitative study based on thematic analysis". Journal of Social Work Research. 2025;12(44):71-114 (In Persian). doi: 10.22054/rjsw.2026.87712.837
