Sources of social support and its importance for cancer-bereaved spouses and their minor children: A cross-sectional study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sources from which bereaved families with minor children reported receiving social support after the death of a parent/partner and which sources they perceived as important. Using an online platform, 23 adolescents, 42 parents, and 27 parent proxies for children aged 4-11 years, completed questionnaires. Family and friends were valued as the most important sources of social support, while social support from societal institutions, such as health care and school, was considered less important, and insufficient.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess the sources of social support received by bereaved families with minor children after the death of a parent/partner, and to determine which sources were perceived as important. The findings revealed that family and friends were considered the most important sources of social support, while support from societal institutions such as healthcare and school was deemed less important and insufficient.