Parent-Child Mandala Painting During Chemotherapy

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of a parent-child mandala painting intervention conducted during the chemotherapy process on caregiver burden, psychological well-being, and child fear and pain levels in pediatric oncology patients. Childhood cancer and its treatment are highly stressful experiences for both children and their parents. Chemotherapy-related side effects such as pain, fear, and emotional distress may negatively affect children's psychological well-being and treatment adaptation. Parents, as primary caregivers, often experience increased emotional burden, anxiety, and stress during this process. The intervention consists of a structured parent-child mandala painting activity delivered over a two-week period, with six sessions in total, each lasting 30 minutes. Participants are randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which receives the mandala painting activity in addition to routine care, or the control group, which receives routine nursing care alone. Outcome measures include child fear and pain levels assessed using validated pediatric scales, as well as caregiver burden and psychological distress measured through standardized questionnaires. Assessments are conducted at baseline and after completion of the two-week intervention period. This study seeks to contribute evidence on the use of creative, non-pharmacological interventions to support emotional well-being in children undergoing chemotherapy and their caregivers.

Sex

All

Minimum age

5 Years

Maximum age

12 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Children aged between 5 and 12 years who are receiving chemotherapy.
* One parent or primary caregiver willing to participate with the child.
* Ability of the child to perform basic fine motor activities such as holding a pencil and coloring.
* Absence of an acute psychiatric diagnosis in the child (e.g., severe anxiety disorder, psychotic disorders).
* Willingness of both the child and the parent to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Children diagnosed with stage III or stage IV cancer.
* Presence of visual perception impairments in the child (e.g., color blindness, severe visual impairment).
* Refusal of the child or parent to participate in the study.