Abstract
The high mortality rates within the Latino population due to childhood cancer and the psychosocial challenges that come with the disease warrants attention from mental health professionals to provide support and address the distress experienced by affected families. The purpose of this integrative systematic review was to identify the psychosocial challenges faced by Latino families navigating childhood cancer, explore the role of cultural resiliency as a coping mechanism, and examine culturally adapted clinical interventions that integrate cultural resilience, promote psychosocial well-being, and improve treatment engagement. A PRISMA flow diagram was used to illustrate the systematic review process, which included 11 studies in the final analysis. Psychosocial challenges that impact Latino families' experience with childhood cancer include psychological distress, cultural and linguistic barriers, socioeconomic burden, and disruptions to family dynamics. Cultural resilience, which includes social support, spirituality, cultural identity, and optimism, serves as a coping mechanism and protective factor, helping Latino families effectively navigate the challenges that come with childhood cancer. Culturally adapted interventions, such as the Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT), eHealth interventions like the Spanish version of the Electronic Surviving Cancer Competently Intervention Program (eSCCIP-SP), and family training and support groups were identified as effective interventions. Limitations of the reviewed studies are discussed, along with recommendations and implications for practice and future research, specifically for clinicians working with Latino families affected by pediatric cancer.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Cancer in children—Psychosocial aspects; Hispanic American families—Mental health; Cancer—Psychological aspects—Cross-cultural studies; Resilience (Personality trait) — Social aspects
Date of Award
2025
School Affiliation
Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Department/Program
Psychology
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate
Faculty Advisor
Carrie Castañeda-Sound
Recommended Citation
Rodas, Karla, "Implications for clinical practice when working with Latino families affected by pediatric cancer: an integrative systematic review" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 1620.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/1620