Japanese families who have lost children to cancer: a primary study.

By interviewing 13 Japanese families who have lost children to cancer within the past 3 years, the main caregiver for the sick child was found to always be the mother, and the mother was the leader whereas the father was a cooperator. These mothers tried to resolve their problems within the context of the relationship between the parents. This tendency relates to the structure of Japanese human relationships. The relationships between the mothers and fathers changed and became stronger or weaker. How fathers shared the mothers' burdens strongly influenced their relationships. To provide comprehensive care, health professionals must recognize the cultural influence on the family dynamics and the family's perceptions toward the illness.