Retrospective assessment of parental attitudes and type D personality features among individuals with cancer

Background: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the correlation between family environment and type D personality among patients with cancer. We aimed to check whether in this population type D occurs and how it is connected with parents’ attitude towards children in their childhood.

Material and methods: Sixty people participated in this study: 30 women and 30 men, all patients with cancer. Method used were: DS-14 to measure type D personality and KPR-Roc, a Polish questionnaire to assess parents’ attitude towards children.

Results: Type D personality was found among 40% of patients and intermediate type among 36%. The correlation between parents’ attitude and stress personality (type D) was poor. Only in the case of two attitudes – father’s excessive protection and mother’s inconsistency – was the correlation stronger.

Conclusion: Many cancer patients have type D personality, which could be connected with some of the parents’ attitude. However it is necessary to confirm this correlation in a further study among a bigger group of cancer patients.