European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society · 2026
Fighting alone: Caregiving burden and coping strategies among the Chinese only-child "sandwich generation" facing parental cancer.
СтатьяНазвание и аннотация: Перевод в очереди
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Bao Sheng, Chen Yubing, Cheng Shenghui
Аннотация
PURPOSE: Caregiving in the context of shrinking family structures presents unique challenges for the "sandwich generation." This study aimed to explore the caregiving burden, sources of stress, and coping strategies of Chinese only children caring for parents with cancer.
METHODS: A sequential two-phase qualitative study design using multi-source data was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 only-child caregivers at a tertiary hospital in southern China. Additionally, 833 relevant posts from social media platforms (Weibo and Xiaohongshu) were collected. Data were integrated and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
RESULTS: Four core themes were identified: (1) the pressure of solitary caregiving and decision-making, which stems from the lack of sibling sharing and spousal absence; (2) sacrifices in career development and parenting responsibilities, where caregivers are forced to make trade-offs between personal development and intergenerational duties; (3) illness concealment and emotional labor, characterized by a combination of rational disease management and high-intensity emotional performance; and (4) real-world support gaps and online community compensation, where anonymous online spaces become channels for information and emotional venting, partially addressing the limitations of real-world kinship support.
CONCLUSION: Only-child caregivers face systemic tensions between shrinking family structures and complex caregiving demands. Their burden stems not only from physical exhaustion but also from the exclusivity of decision-making responsibilities and multiple role conflicts. Professionals should adopt family-centered care to identify high-risk families, offering targeted decision aids and communication guidance on disease disclosure. Furthermore, integrating professional support into online communities is essential for enhancing caregiver well-being.
METHODS: A sequential two-phase qualitative study design using multi-source data was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 only-child caregivers at a tertiary hospital in southern China. Additionally, 833 relevant posts from social media platforms (Weibo and Xiaohongshu) were collected. Data were integrated and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
RESULTS: Four core themes were identified: (1) the pressure of solitary caregiving and decision-making, which stems from the lack of sibling sharing and spousal absence; (2) sacrifices in career development and parenting responsibilities, where caregivers are forced to make trade-offs between personal development and intergenerational duties; (3) illness concealment and emotional labor, characterized by a combination of rational disease management and high-intensity emotional performance; and (4) real-world support gaps and online community compensation, where anonymous online spaces become channels for information and emotional venting, partially addressing the limitations of real-world kinship support.
CONCLUSION: Only-child caregivers face systemic tensions between shrinking family structures and complex caregiving demands. Their burden stems not only from physical exhaustion but also from the exclusivity of decision-making responsibilities and multiple role conflicts. Professionals should adopt family-centered care to identify high-risk families, offering targeted decision aids and communication guidance on disease disclosure. Furthermore, integrating professional support into online communities is essential for enhancing caregiver well-being.