Family Resilience in Adult Oncology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

• Published in: Oncology nursing forum Vol. 52; no. 3; pp. 228 - 240
• Main Authors: Ashley, Autumn, Marsh, Kristen, Ling, Jiying, Lehto, Rebecca H, Wu, Horng-Shiuann, Moser, Jason S, Wittenborn, Andrea K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Pittsburgh Oncology Nursing Society 01.05.2025
• Subjects: Anxiety; Cancer; Caregivers; Collaboration; Communication; Families & family life; Medical diagnosis; Mental depression; Meta-analysis; Oncology; Patients; Pediatrics; Problem solving; Quality of life; Sociology; Stress; Subject heading schemes; Systematic review
• ISSN: 0190-535X; 1538-0688
• DOI: 10.1188/25.0NF.228-240

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the state of the science to determine relationships among adult patient- and family member-perceived family resilience, individual resilience and perceived family resilience, and perceived family resilience and psychosocial outcomes. LITERATURE SEARCH: PubMed®, CINAHL®, PsycINFO®, Sociological Abstracts, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Random effects models were performed to calculate pooled effect sizes, and meta-analyses were conducted. DATA EVALUATION: Two authors assessed risk of bias using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Study heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q test and the I2 statistic. Publication bias was evaluated. SYNTHESIS: Patient-perceived family resilience and family member-perceived family resilience were positively correlated. Family resilience was positively related to patient and family member individual resilience. Higher family resilience was associated with patients' reduced symptom burden and perceived stress and improved affect and quality of life, and family members' reduced caregiver burden and stress and higher social support and quality of life. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Investigations employing a longitudinal design are needed to understand any causal relationships between family resilience and psychosocial outcomes for the dyad.