Living with cancer : the experience of family caregivers of cancer patients from a counselling perspective

Abstract

This study aims at exploring the experience of family caregivers of cancer patients and promoting awareness of the challenges that they live through. The experience of going through such a difficult experience might make one feel alone, yet others’ experiences have similarities. These similarities make it possible to share thoughts and emotions to provide relief. This study takes into account the implications, that family caregivers’ experiences may have on counselling, with an aim at enabling counsellors to equip themselves to provide the support that is needed by family caregivers. Very little research has been done in this area locally, and there are still very scarce provisions for family caregivers in Malta. The study is set within a philosophical framework of Social Constructivism, whereby each person’s perception of the experience is different, and the meaning for each person is influenced on the construct that one makes, of the same experience. Hermeneutic Phenomenology was embraced to ensure that the participants would have the space to express themselves fully. Data was gathered from seven family caregivers of cancer patients, using semi-structured interviews, and transcriptions were duly prepared. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was employed to analyse the transcripts and six super-ordinate themes were identified. These themes cover the extent of the caregivers’ experiences. The study highlights the needs and difficulties found in caregiving, and the change in roles and in temperament, amongst others. Implications for counselling and recommendations for practice, training and further research are subsequently made, including the need for specific training in health counselling and the provision of a structure whereby family caregivers are offered support in the form of counselling, among others. A list of strengths and weaknesses of the study and Ethical considerations. Essentially the study shows the importance of taking care of family caregivers, both in the latter role, and as individuals with their daily challenges.