A family- centred approach to parental illness

Approximately 10-13% of adolescents grow up with a parent who has a chronic medical condition (CMC). As a result of parental CMCs such as cancer, neuromuscular disease or stroke, young people can experience positive consequences, such as the development of empathy and fewer aggressive feelings. There may also be negative outcomes such as excessive caregiving responsibilities, elevated stress and internalising problems. This chapter contains a review of literature pertaining to CMCs, a critical evaluation of relevant interventions, an ‘in practice’ section that provides guidance in terms of best practice when addressing the impact of parental CMCs and recommendations for future research. Promoting a family-centred approach is highlighted, as are protective factors for developmental problems in children with chronically ill parents. A newly developed measure, the Screening Instrument for Adolescents of Parents with Chronic Medical Condition (SIAPCMC), is also introduced. The instrument is a short list of questions that can identify adolescents at risk for internalising problems such as anxious and withdrawn behaviour. The SIAPCMC is currently being implemented as a preventive instrument in the Netherlands, serving three objectives: (i) identifying the risk for future internalising problems in children with parental CMC; (ii) facilitating open communication within the family and (iii) suggesting ways of support and interventions for these children.