Web-Based Filial Therapy In Pediatric Cancer

Pediatric cancer affects not only the physical health of the child but also the emotional and relational functioning of the family. Due to hospitalization, infection risk, and intensive treatment protocols, children may experience restricted access to play, school, and peer interaction. These limitations may interfere with the child's ability to express emotions and maintain a sense of normalcy. At the same time, parents often face high levels of stress and may shift from a relational parenting role to a primarily medical caregiving role focused on the child's physical survival.

Filial therapy is a parent-mediated intervention that aims to strengthen the parent-child relationship through structured play interactions. By learning specific therapeutic play skills, parents can support their child's emotional expression and coping processes in a developmentally appropriate way.

In this study, a web-based filial therapy program was developed to provide an accessible and context-sensitive intervention for parents of children diagnosed with cancer. The online format allows parents to receive training without separation from their child and reduces barriers related to infection risk and hospital-based care. The program consisted of five weekly sessions, including video-based instruction, guided practice, and individualized feedback. Parents were trained in core filial therapy skills such as empathic listening, child-led play, emotional reflection, and limit setting, and were encouraged to apply these skills during structured play sessions with their children.

The study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial with parallel group design. A total of 60 parents were randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. The intervention group participated in the web-based filial therapy program, while the control group received no intervention during the study period. Data were collected before and after the intervention using standardized measurement tools to assess parental role perception.

The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the evidence base on parent-mediated interventions and to inform the development of accessible psychosocial support programs for families coping with pediatric cancer.

Inclusion criteria

• Parent of a child diagnosed with cancer
• Child under 12 years of age
• Living with the child
• Literate
• No diagnosed psychiatric disorder
• Access to a computer and internet connection
• Active use of digital communication tools (internet, phone, or email)
• Willing to participate voluntarily and provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosed psychiatric disorder
• Inability to use digital tools
• Failure to complete the intervention program
• Withdrawal from the study during the intervention period
• Experiencing child loss during the study
• Having a child older than 12 years diagnosed with cancer