Parent Perceptions of a Pretend Play Intervention for Their Children With Cancer

Background: Although the rate of survival in childhood cancer today is close to 85%, a cancer diagnosis can still turn the world upside down for both children and parents. Often, children in oncology care are frustrated about their inability to control events and activities around them. Therapeutic pretend play has been suggested as a means to encourage children to express and handle emotions in a safe environment. ＜br＞ Purpose: This study was developed to describe and explore parents' experiences of a pretend play intervention that consisted of six to eight play sessions with a play facilitator administered to their children undergoing cancer treatment. ＜br＞ Methods: A descriptive qualitative method was used, including individual interviews with 15 parents. ＜br＞ Results: Three main categories were developed, including (a) experiences of joining the project, (b) perceptions of the play intervention, and (c) reflections on effects and implications, with subcategories evolved for each category. The parents expe