Foster Terrah L, Gilmer Mary Jo, Davies Betty, Barrera Maru, Fairclough Diane, Vannatta Kathryn, Gerhardt Cynthia A
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, TN 37240, USA.
J Pediatr Oncol Nurs. 2009 Nov-Dec;26(6):369-76. doi: 10.1177/1043454209340322.
This qualitative study explored bereaved parents' and siblings' reports of legacies created by children with advanced cancer. Participants included 40 families of children who died from cancer, with 36 mothers, 27 fathers, and 40 siblings (ages 8-18 years). Individual interviews were completed at home approximately 10.68 months (SD = 3.48) after the child's death. Content analysis of interviews indicated that many children living with cancer did specific things to be remembered, such as making crafts for others, willing away belongings, writing letters to loved ones, and giving special gifts. Some children, particularly those who were very ill or died unexpectedly, did not intentionally do or say anything to be remembered. Legacies included bereaved individuals remembering children's qualities, concern for family, and beliefs about afterlife. Having advanced cancer appeared to motivate children to influence others' lives and prepare for their own deaths. Children's advice about how to live life inspired bereaved family members. Findings contribute to the current knowledge of legacy-making in children and offer implications for practice and future research.
这项定性研究探讨了丧亲父母及兄弟姐妹对罹患晚期癌症儿童所留下遗产的描述。参与者包括40个孩子死于癌症的家庭，其中有36位母亲、27位父亲以及40名兄弟姐妹（年龄在8至18岁之间）。在孩子去世约10.68个月（标准差 = 3.48）后，于家中完成了个体访谈。访谈的内容分析表明，许多罹患癌症的孩子会做一些特别的事情以便被他人铭记，比如为他人制作手工艺品、遗赠财物、给亲人写信以及赠送特别的礼物。有些孩子，尤其是那些病情非常严重或意外死亡的孩子，并没有刻意去做或说任何想要被铭记的事情。遗产包括丧亲者对孩子品质、对家庭的关怀以及对来世信念的铭记。罹患晚期癌症似乎促使孩子们去影响他人的生活并为自己的死亡做准备。孩子们关于如何生活的建议启发了丧亲的家庭成员。研究结果有助于增进目前对儿童遗产传承的认识，并为实践和未来研究提供启示。
